On: ACLU sues over patents on breast cancer genes

Myriad's patents give it exclusive right to perform diagnostic tests on the genes -- forcing other researchers to request permission from the company before they can take a look at BRCA1 and BRCA2, the ACLU said. The patents also give the company the rights to future mutations on the BRCA2 gene and the power to exclude others from providing genetic testing.

How does that not hold back research, or merely "slow down" testing?

The article is very misleading.

Researchers in many cases do not need to request permission if the research is focused on a new drug:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_exemption