DNA and genome patenting is a very real and very legal outlet in the United States.

However, neither SellMyDNA.com nor New Line Genetics actually patent DNA. Rather, these sites are a satirical “what if” pertaining to something that, for all intents and purposes, could be a reality in the not-so-distant future.

As an example, Myriad Genetics (they’re real — their ticker symbol is MYGN) gained international publicity a few years ago by patenting the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. These are genes which, when damaged (mutated), result in an individual having a very high risk for the development of breast or ovarian cancer.

Holding this patent gives Myriad a great deal of control in granting access to other scientists so that they may do research on the specific genetic sequences. The result: Myriad makes a lot of money charging a fee for every research request. In addition, if an individual wants to obtain a genetic screen on their own DNA to see if they are at high risk for these diseases, they have to pay their own doctor and/or hospital, and they also have to pay a fee to Myriad. It’s an interesting situation, to say the least.

I don’t want to be the judge on whether DNA genome patents are right or wrong from an ethical standpoint. That’s for you to decide, and that’s why these sites have been created. To bring attention to another very interesting “what if” — what if a genetics company paid the smartest, the fastest, the best looking and the most emotionally stable individuals for their genetic blueprints, and then capitalized on it? Would we be a better society? Or would we be playing a very dangerous game?

I hope you’re not too disappointed that I’m not going to give you $5,000.

But you may be looking for more information on selling your DNA. So please take a little time to do some research and figure out if that’s something you would still want to do, if and when the opportunity really does present itself. Here’s a good place to start: SellMyDNA.com: Related Resources. The links and books featured on this page are all true and factual, and should be able to give you a better understanding of where we are with this technology today, and where we may be going in the future.

I'd like to reiterate that this issue IS REAL, but I’d like the excitement, and even the controversy, to continue. That being said, please pass this website on to friends and family without mentioning that it’s satirical.

That way, we can help make people think a little harder about a very interesting topic.

Sincerely,

Anthony Martin

P.S.  If you enjoy these sites, check out my Myspace page here and add me as a friend — I'll keep you in the loop with any other projects I have going on.

P. P. S.  These sites have been created by the good folks at CandySmokes.com . . . because humor is addicting.