Mayo Clinic Reacts to Unanimous Supreme Court Decision

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

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ROCHESTER, Minn. — Today, the United States Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in favor of Mayo Collaborative Services in a case against Prometheus Laboratories, Inc., that dates back to 2004. John Noseworthy, M.D., president & CEO, Mayo Clinic, issued the following statement in reaction to the decision:

"We are extremely pleased with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision. Mayo Clinic chose to pursue this lengthy litigation process because we believed it was in the best interests of our patients. This decision concerns the value of delivering high quality patient care in a timely manner and at an affordable cost.

"Essentially, everything we do at Mayo Clinic is about the needs of the patient and that's what this is all about. This is about everyday interactions between doctors and their patients."

At issue was a blood test developed by Prometheus that helps doctors decide the proper dosage for a drug called thiopurine, which is used to treat gastrointestinal illnesses. Mayo purchased this test until 2004, when Mayo researchers created an improved test. Prometheus sued for patent infringement and to block Mayo's use of its own test.

The decision allows other U.S. labs to offer a similar test, which will result in lower health-care costs for patients.

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