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Christopher Reeve pushes patients over patents BOSTON (March 28, 2000 1:41 p.m. EST http://www.nandotimes.com) - Christopher Reeve urged biotechnology researchers to work together to help patients instead of worrying about protecting patents. The paralyzed actor spoke to an estimated 1,800 scientists, industry leaders and business people Monday at the BIO 2000 conference in Boston. The biotech industry is exploring ways of altering genes to create lifesaving medicines, pest-resistant foods and animal organs suitable for human transplantation, among other things. Reeve, the star of the "Superman" films who was paralyzed in a 1995 horse riding accident, called on researchers to let the public know what they are working on. "Tell them what you're doing and why it gives hope," he said. "That way, you make us believers and that's important to people suffering." "Many disabled people can't get past the psychological barrier that says their lives have been ruined", he said. "Give them the American mantra: 'Nothing is impossible.'" Reeve was given a standing ovation after his 25-minute speech. Copyright 2000 Nando Media Copyright 2000 Associated Press <http://www.nandotimes.com/noframes/story/0,2107,500186099-500248501-501253345-0,00.html> janet paterson 53 now / 41 dx / 37 onset a new voice: http://www.geocities.com/janet313/ 613 256 8340 PO Box 171 Almonte Ontario Canada K0A 1A0