Leading Biotechnology Company: Genentech Essay

Crichton explains how gene patents were a mistake by the underfinanced and understaffed United States Patent Office which, have halted research and prevented

According to the First Patent Act passes in 1790, a patentable invention or discovery must be artificial, non-obvious, novel and useful. Current gene patents, refer to DNA sequences with a known function or use that are altered in some way from their form inside a cell.( Ricki Lewis (1997) So patented gene is different from its intracellular counterpart in that it is no longer part of a chromosome. When something was isolated from its original natural state, it’s no longer a natural product, something artificial is created. The isolated gene sequence is not nature anymore. Also, DNA sequence can be the protein –encoding portion of gene, gene on chromosomes, and patentable genes do not necessary come from human. For these reasons, I think the researchers or Biotechnology Company may patent DNA. Some argument about “gene patent” include potentially limited access, no second opinion opportunities, no price competition and less incentive to improve the gene test. (David H. Ledbetter (2008) These investigators are concerning about the accuracy and affordability of gene test.

In June 2000, the publicly funded Human Genome Project (HGP) and the private firm Celera Genomics Inc. announced that they had completed sequencing the human genome. This unprecedented accomplishment is expected to enable doctors to diagnose, treat and even prevent numerous genetic diseases. As these two entities worked on sequencing the human genome, there was also a separate and less publicized race to patent as many human genes as possible.

How each individual chooses to relieve their level of stress is a purely personal matter. Stress is reported to cost employers production and money. Certain levels of stress are beneficial to society and individuals, this allows for positive growth; although long term exposure to stress can cause ill-effects to one’s well-being. Work place stress, otherwise known as occupational stress is said by the United Nations’ International Labor Organization to be a global occurrence. It is estimated that occupational stress causes US employers a loss of up to $200 billion a year. This includes low productivity, workers’

The overarching claim made in this piece is that there are intrinsic health benefits to be gained from stress, some of these require a positive attitude towards stress, others are innate or simply transpire without conscious effort.

Many believe that stress is a simple problem, however it is often misunderstood and more complex than they believe (p. 181, Griffin & Moorhead, 2014). Stress is the physiological and psychological response to excessive and usually unpleasant stimulation as well as threatening events in the environment (p. 284, Schultz and Schultz, 2010). Stress appears in silent and subtle ways but this negative response affects millions of employees in all levels of all types of jobs (p. 284, Schultz and Schultz, 2010). If identified

Stress arises as a transaction between person and environment, it begins as an imbalance between demand, either physical or psychological, and response capability under conditions where failure to meet demands has important consequences, likely resulting in a loss. Stress can bring out our best performance or it can cause people to crumple under pressure. Therefore an important factor in how an individual responds and performs under stressful conditions is their perception or interpretation and appraisal of the situation and their own emotional response. There have been debates among experts as to whether an individual initially reacts to stress emotionally or cognitively, however it’s commonly understood that too little or too much stress can be harmful especially over longer periods. The right amount of stress is motivating, while too much can cause physical and psychological problems. Excessive chronic stress can result in disability effecting physical, emotional and mental wellness.

It is well known that negative stress in the workplace can lead to burnout and poor job satisfaction. Stress can be physical or psychological, and involve many factors. Stress reduction is a responsibility of any business that wants to be successful. Despite this common understanding, many in leadership overlook the

Many companies now recognize the value of investing in their human capital (NYtimes.com, 2006, para 1). A biotechnology company, Genentech, has proven that there is a direct link between motivated, happy employees and economic success. By providing several special programs and positive reinforcers to assist their employees and making life a little easier, the employees show pride and are dedicated and motivated to doing their jobs and performing above average. Because of the employees increased efforts Genentech has increased their profits, created world class medicines, and have been recognized numerous achievement awards.

In a world filled with mental, emotional, and physical pressures, it can be difficult to find balance. However, it is crucial to not let stress become overwhelming, as it can quickly interfere with sports and skill performances if given the chance. The first part of not letting stress dominate is understanding it and related concepts, such as the Yerkes-Dodson Law. The second part is utilizing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation and t'ai thi ch’uan. The two together work to significantly reduce the role negative stress plays one’s life.

Genentech’s second challenge was manifested in deciding which business model to use. Genentech had to assess if pioneer technology that creates artificial DNA could flourish in a generating money-making product. During the genesis of Genentech, a conscious decision was made to assimilate the business model of large pharmaceutical companies. The pharmaceutical industry was driven by the creation of blockbuster producing drugs. This decision to adopt this business model was made despite the industry's giants facing decline in sales from expiring patents and lack of new innovative drugs to replace them.

The debate over patenting sections of the human genome arrived shortly after the completion of the mapping of the human genome. These patents give rights of a specific section of the human genome to certain companies to develop gene products and tests after. Although patents on sections of the human genome can encourage pioneering and further advancements in genome products and genetic tests, patenting on the human genome can lead to the monopolization of gene tests that can delay patient treatment and diagnosis, restrict more than one developer to make genetic products and tests, and allow one developer to increase prices on a specific test to outrageous prices.

Many people seem to be saying the same thing when they are asked about biotechnology. When I asked my boyfriend he turned right to the curing disease answer as well, which is very interesting. That is one part of this field that interests me. It is such a broad topic that it can cover so many different fields. I saw that you were interested in biotechnology and curing or helping with diseases. I am interested in that as well. What really intrigues me is that DNA biotechnology can show us what genetic disorders a child may have before they are even born. Science is an amazing field and shows how much technology has to offer. I took this class to assist me with a career choice as well. I plan to major in Biomedical Engineering with a

Work life is becoming more demanding and unpredictable, which is why more people are dealing with stress, with 53% of Australian employees feeling under pressure a significant amount of the time. Businesses need to place systems to help employees cope and manage stress. Managers should be aiming to create an environment from being stressful to challenging and rewarding. Stress is defined as an “adaptive response to a situation that is perceived as challenging or threatening to a person’s wellbeing” (McShane, Olekalns and Travaglione, 2013), it is a condition that effects humans both physiologically and psychologically. The effects and the causes of stress can vary greatly from person to person; along with how they handle the pressures amounted

Biotechnology functions to living organisms or any technological application that uses biological systems. I don’t remember when I showed interest in that subject first, but I liked to read science articles and watch national geographic since I was young. It was just a simple interest and curiosity about science at first, but it developed to the aspiration of studying specific major of biotechnology when I chose IB subjects. After I had a conversation with teachers, peers, parents, and other acquaintance about science subjects and reflected my past science classes, I chose biology and chemistry in order to study biotechnology in the near future. The reason why I want to study biotechnology is that I would like to work in the laboratory and