The International Law of Biotechnology

In this thoroughly updated second edition, Matthias Herdegen provides a comprehensive and contemporary assessment of the regulation of biotechnology processes and products from an international and comparative perspective, complete with analysis of intricate legal and ethical debates. Considering recent advances in biotechnology, this new edition explores how regulatory approaches to controversial issues such as stem cell research, cloning and gene therapy differ across jurisdictions due to conflicting values and risk perceptions. Reflecting on current developments, the book explores the interaction between biotechnology and different fields of law, including: human rights, intellectual property, trade law and environmental law. In doing so, Herdegen investigates complex concerns such as balancing commercial interests with socio-cultural considerations and ensuring respect for human dignity in the pursuit of biomedical research. Furthermore this new edition includes examination of recent developments in areas such as genome editing, biomedicine, COVID-19 vaccines, and patents on essentially biological products, with an entirely revised section on biobanks. Providing a concise and accessible guide to a complex field of international law, this book will be of great value to those researching the law and regulation of biotechnology, biomedicine and biodiversity both within the EU and at an international level. Practicing lawyers will also benefit from a diverse array of sources from a range of legal systems.