NEW YORK (CBS.MW ) -- Shares of genomics-related companies took a dive Tuesday after President Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair advocated "unencumbered access" to human genome data that would be proprietary information if many biotech companies had their way.
"To realize the full promise of this research, raw fundamental data on the human genome, including the human DNA sequence and its variations, should be made freely available to scientists everywhere," Clinton said in remarks were prepared for delivery at a Medals of Science and Technology awards ceremony on Tuesday. "Unencumbered access to this information will promote discoveries that will reduce the burden of disease, improve health around the world, and enhance the quality of life for all humankind," Clinton said.
He also said intellectual property protection for gene-based inventions will also play an important role in stimulating the development of important new healthcare products.