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The New Science of Sharing

Posted March 02, 2007 8:27 AM

From BusinessWeek Online -- Technology & Science:

Earlier this month, Swiss drugmaker Novartis did something rather unusual—and almost unheard of in the high-stakes, highly competitive world of Big Pharma. After investing millions trying to unlock the genetic basis of type 2 diabetes, the company released all of its raw data on the Internet. This means anyone (or any company) with the inclination is free to use the data—no strings attached.

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Anonymous Poster
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Re: The New Science of Sharing

03/03/2007 3:07 PM

But, one could ask: where is the altruism in giving away data that has proven worthless? Or, where is the self interest in not holding on to it, when publishing the data can enhance public perception--even increase good will--in an industry that doesn't get much good press these days?

Perhaps the genetic code (and the corresponding data) for Type 2 isn't found because Type 2 is not so much an abberation as a life/societal style choice--nurture over nature--something which, with appropriate "nurturing," virtually all are destined to acquire or flirt with if only they survive long enough.

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