Publications
Publications
- February 2006 (Revised August 2006)
- HBS Case Collection
deCODE Genetics: Hunting for Genes to Develop Drugs
By: Debora L. Spar
Abstract
In 1996, Kari Stefansson launched a new kind of biotechnology company and a whole new way of attacking diseases. Based in Iceland, his firm, deCODE Genetics, plans to identify the individual genetic markers that lead to society's most prevalent diseases. To do so, it plans to create an unrivaled database of genetic and medical information, drawing on Iceland's unique genealogical records and patient information from a countrywide medical database. But when patient advocate groups form to oppose the plan, deCODE is forced to change its strategy.
Keywords
Information; Innovation Strategy; Genetics; Ethics; Health Disorders; Biotechnology Industry; Iceland
Citation
Spar, Debora L., and Chris Bebenek. "deCODE Genetics: Hunting for Genes to Develop Drugs." Harvard Business School Case 706-040, February 2006. (Revised August 2006.)