this is bad news
Rayilyn Brown
Director AZNPF
Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "schild.m" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, November 28, 2008 11:17 AM
Subject: EU regulators say 'no' to embryonic stem cell patents


> http://www.euractiv.com/en/science/eu-regulators-embryonic-stem-cell-patents/article-177593
>
> EU regulators say 'no' to embryonic stem cell patents
> Published: Friday 28 November 2008
>
> The European Patent Office (EPO) yesterday (27 November) ruled against
> allowing a patent on developing human stem cell cultures whose preparation
> involves the destruction of embryos. The decision may hamper stem cell
> research for commercial purposes, as companies may have little incentive 
> to
> finance it without patent protection.
> The EPO's appeal board confirmed an earlier decision regarding the use of 
> stem
> cells filed by the US Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) in 1995.
> The EPO, however, stressed that their decision did not concern the general
> question of human stem cell patentability.
> Critics say research on embryonic cells is immoral, but advocates stress 
> that
> stem cells taken from newborn embryos are crucial for the exploration of
> potential cures for diseases such as diabetes or Parkinson's.
> A 1998 EU directive clearly forbids patents on the industrial use of human
> embryos, yet industry has tried time and again to push them through. 
> German
> Green MEP Hiltrud Breyer, who is also president of the European Parliament
> Bioethics Intergroup, "wholeheartedly" welcomed the "landmark ruling", 
> saying
> that "human dignity has rightfully been put first".
> She called on the European Patent Office to prohibit patents on stem 
> cells,
> which cause the destruction of human embryos. "Such patents come at the
> expense of patients and doctors," she said, adding that patents should 
> only
> allow technical use, not the gene itself.
> The Conference of European Bishops also welcomed the EPO ruling, 
> describing it
> as a "sensible decision and an important signal towards the protection of
> human embryos".
> WARF said it was considering various responses and stressed that the 
> decision
> would not affect patent rights in the US.
>
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