Zika Virus is patented and for sale – by guess who?
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Zika virus a global
health emergency on Monday (February 1) without providing much detail on
the disease. So here are some facts until we receive more information:
This sexually-transmitted virus
has been around for 69 years and is marketed by two companies: LGC
Standards (headquartered in the UK) and ATCC (headquartered in the US).
The LGC Group is:
“…the UK’s designated National Measurement Institute for chemical and
bioanalytical measurements and an international leader in the
laboratory services, measurement standards, reference materials,
genomics and proficiency testing marketplaces.”
One of its branches, LGC Standards, is:
“…a leading global producer and distributor of reference materials
and proficiency testing schemes. Headquartered in Teddington, Middlesex,
UK, LGC Standards has a network of dedicated sales offices extending
across 20 countries in 5 continents and more than 30 years experience in
the distribution of reference materials. These high quality products
and services are essential for accurate analytical measurement and
quality control, ensuring sound decisions are made based on reliable
data. We have an unparalleled breadth of ISO Guide 34 accredited
reference material production in facilities at 4 sites across the UK,
the US and Germany.”
LGC Standards entered into a partnership with ATCC, of which the latter is:
“…the premier global biological materials resource and standards
organization whose mission focuses on the acquisition, authentication,
production, preservation, development, and distribution of standard
reference microorganisms, cell lines, and other materials. While
maintaining traditional collection materials, ATCC develops high quality
products, standards, and services to support scientific research and
breakthroughs that improve the health of global populations.”
