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[greybeard]

Europe's highest court has ruled that stem cells from human embryos cannot be patented, in a case that could have major implications for medicine.

Scientists say the Court of Justice decision may impede European research into the use of stem cell therapies, or drive research abroad.

The ruling follows a challenge by Greenpeace over a patent for nerve cells from embryonic stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells have the ability to turn into any tissue in the body.

They offer the hope of one day being able to treat diseases such as Parkinson's, stroke, heart disease and diabetes, if technical hurdles can be overcome.

The ruling concerned a method invented by a German professor, Oliver Bruestle, for converting human embryonic stem cells into nerve cells.

Full article http://www.bbc.co.uk...health-15350723

[Tetracyclone]

I wonder what Greenpeace's goal was in this suit?

Did they think the government of the UK would suddenly fund all the stem cell research?

Don't worry. Japan and China will lead the charge and then make whatever profits are to be made.

[jenny407]

This decision fired a huge debate in the German media - perhaps, as it was indeed a German scientist, Brüstle, who was at the basis of this (see newspaper article above).

In a nutshell:

- Brüstle wanted this patent - his research was partly aimed to help MS patients. (Read my above me page -- I have several friends with MS, one very severely sick by now). I think SCI might have profited from this kind of research as well (as it is about nerve cells).

- The decision was justified by ruling that there should be no patent on human 'life'.

- Scientists on TV said that there is the possibility to use 'induced' cells - new method from Japan, where adult stem cells are 're-programmed' to be used for research and treatment. This is still allowed for patent (adult as opposed to embryonic stem cells) but still not as easy to do.

- Research on stem cells will definitely go outside of Europe now (US, Asia) - basic research is still allowed in Europe but patents are needed to make money out of this. And let's be realistic ...

- I personally much regret this decision. I understand the arguments of the Court but I wonder: Would they really think the same if they or they friends and family were concerned?


(Sorry, long 'nutshell', but it's a complicated topic.)