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Icelanders, whose unusually low genetic variability makes them ideal for
studies on the origin of diseases, have agreed to reveal the secrets of their
genes to pharmaceuticals company Hoffmann-La Roche. The deal, worth $200
million, gives the company and its partner—deCode Genetics of
Reykjavik—exclusive rights to develop drugs from the genetic data of
Iceland’s population. In return, Icelanders will receive any resulting medicines
free.