Genetic research with human beings and the distribution of economic benefits derived from biopatents

bio-juridical perspectives for public health policies in Brazil

Abstract

The possibility of sharing economic benefits from biopatents derived from genetic research with human beings is analyzed. One starts from the following question: what is the current scenario of the distribution of economic benefits stemming of biopatents from genetic research with humans and the perspectives for public health in Brazil? The main objective is outlining a current panorama on the subject, both internationally and in Brazil, as well as establishing a prognosis of public health possibilities in the country. To do so, bibliographical and documentary research procedures are employed. Experiences from other countries are presented as a possible basis for analyzing the researchers’ economic rights and for maintaining a sustainable public health system. Nationally, one can conclude that the Law of Access to Biodiversity is a possible route, as it determines that the distribution of economic benefits should occur only in case of commercial exploitation of the invention, and not with the bio-patent deposit. As the main result, it is concluded that, due to the need for materializing the human right to health, thinking about the possibility of sharing economic benefits derived from biopatents is a matter of public health, leading to the construction of a universal and sustainable public health system.