Genomics deal prompts a debate

The deal announced last week between Genetic Therapy Inc. and Human Genome Sciences Inc., combining their gene delivery and gene discovery programs, elicited a strong response from competing genetic therapy and genomics companies.

GTII and HGSI defended the deal as solving their mutual needs - to ensure access by the gene therapy company to genes to plug into its vector systems, and to provide an outlet for gene discoveries by the genomics company. The two companies are linked by a common venture capital backer, HealthCare Investment Corp...