13 
E. Commercial Developments 
In a statement in October 1977, a Federal patent appeals court ruled 
that an industry can patent and own certain forms of life that it de- 
velops (see Wall Street Journal, January 26, 1978, Appendix). This 
ruling is significant since a development by Upjohn Company opens 
the way for a broad spectrum of manufacturers to work with new 
microorganisms and could affect the work of other scientists using the 
DNA recombinant research technique. Associated with this ruling is 
the first commercial application of a development from the DNA re- 
combinant technique. Genentech, Inc., a firm in San Francisco, has 
applied for the patent rights to produce a human brain hormone called 
somatostatin. This patent would involve the use of certain techniques 
employed in DNA recombinant molecule research (see Business Week, 
December 12, 1977, Appendix). 
F. Environmental Impact Statement on NIH Guidelines For 
Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules 
The National Institutes of Health published the final Environ- 
mental Impact Statement on recombinant DNA research in October 
1977. The draft statement had been the subject of much controversy 
including citation as a factor in litigation. The final document is now 
available from the NIH Office of Recombinant DNA Activities. 
[Appendix B — 64] 
