Erythropoietin Which Stimulates Production of RBCs
Amgen Inc. held a US patent for preparation of 'erythropoietin', by recombinant method. In this case, DNA sequences, vector and transformed cells were protected, but not the product, since US patent office usually does not allow patents on the naturally occurring products.
However, Genetics Institute Inc. was successful in obtaining a broad product claim for erythropoietin (isolated from urine) like the one obtained by Scripps for VIII:C. Are such claims valid and should they cover even the product of recombinant DNA? Questions like this have been raised and discussed widely in biotechnology sector.