Lifting Ban from Stem Cell Research

In long awaited order in area of biologics has been released and President Barack Obama has lifted the ban on federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research. It comes just weeks after American scientists announced a huge stem-cell breakthrough. Using stem-cell lines, researchers developed a therapy that reverses some symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Essentially, doctors used stem-cell transplants to ”reset” patients’ immune systems. The technique also shows promise in combating lupus and diabetes.

It is expected that the new order will be a boon for R&D of Biotech Industries and also will create a path for patenting the inventions also.

Stem Cell Sciences Reinforces its International Patent Position in Stem Cell Technologies

Stem Cell Sciences announces that European patent no. 0695361 covering its IRES technology was upheld by the European Patent Office in Munich on 12th November 2008. The EPO Technical Board of Appeal dismissed objections against the patent raised by Institut Pasteur on 12th April 2007. SCS’ IRES (Internal Ribosome Entry Site) technology enables researchers to monitor the activity of a gene of interest in living cells or tissues without blocking the normal function of the gene. In particular, IRES is important for evaluating the success of gene deletions (knock-outs) or insertions (knock-ins) in stem cells, which is crucial for the successful creation of transgenic mouse and rat disease models.

The decision confirms the validity of the patent protection for this technology in Europe and adds value to SCS’ current licensing and commercialisation strategy. The Company announced recently its expansion of out-licensing activities for this technology through an agreement with a leading provider of genetically modified rat and mouse models for pharmaceutical research. Furthermore, maintenance of this patent will enable SCS to complete licensing deals held up while potential licensees awaited the outcome of the appeal hearing, generating another source of licensing income.

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