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Stem cell patent will not hinder research Listen to this story [Requires Microsoft Media Player] http://www.abc.net.au/am/2001/08/18/20010818am02.asx This is a transcript of AM broadcast at 0800 AEST on local radio. Stem cell patent will not hinder research AM - Saturday, August 18, 2001 8:04 HAMISH ROBERTSON: Negotiations are underway in the United States to ensure that a patent over the human embryonic stem cell doesn’t hinder continuing research. A foundation at the University of Wisconsin holds the patent over both the method of isolating the cells and the cells themselves. It’s believed to be the only patent of its kind in the world, but at this stage valid only in the United States. The university has linked up with a private biotechnology company in California which gives it considerable say over who will ultimately profit. US government officials will meet university representatives next week to discuss the issue. Well, Dr Steven Stice oversees stem cell research at the University of Georgia. He spoke to our reporter Joe O’Brien. STEVEN STICE: The patent for primate embryonic stem cells and human embryonic stem cells - they have patented the method that they use to derive those cells. JOE O’BRIEN: Could it seriously restrict the pace at which embryonic stem cell research proceeds? STEVEN STICE: Ah, I don’t believe so. I believe that the parties involved and the various entities in the US and around the world that are working on stem cells will continue at a good pace. JOE O’BRIEN: But won’t this patent restrict it at all? STEVEN STICE: Any patent gives the right of the owner to restrict other people’s use of that for commercial purposes. But most of this is at very early research stages. And as you know, the funds have now been possible for research in the US. And so I believe that there will still be quite a bit more research taken up [inaudible] in the next year or so. JOE O’BRIEN: Practically, will it mean that researchers will have to get authority from the University of Wisconsin before proceeding with research? STEVEN STICE: That’s a question that remains to be answered. Certainly the NIH I believe is working closely with the University of Wisconsin, as well as other people that hold embryonic stem cells. And nobody really knows what the situation is as far as how those cells will be able to be used. But I believe that will be cleared up. JOE O’BRIEN: You believe in the goodwill of the University of Wisconsin? STEVEN STICE: I believe that the University of Wisconsin, from their previous attempts to distribute those cells - would like them widely distributed, yes. JOE O’BRIEN: Should any patenting of something so important to the progress of medicine be allowed? STEVEN STICE: Well, I’m a firm believer that patents are needed - it’s a needed structure in which to get research funded. A lot of this work is being done or has been done through private funds in the past. And in order for companies to be able to spend money in this area, they must be able to reap some benefits from that spending. And so those patents actually allow them to do that. And so in general I am a firm believer in the patenting process and its use in biotechnology. JOE O’BRIEN: Dr Stice, I understand this patent is only valid in the United States. Could it push stem cell science overseas? STEVEN STICE: Well, there is a considerable amount of stem cell research that’s done overseas. And I think that that will continue to occur. I think it’s just a matter of time to determine how these patents are used and enforced. And if it becomes too onerous for people to work in the United States, then, sure, I think that will push it overseas. HAMISH ROBERTSON: Dr Steven Stice, who is a specialist in stem cell research at the University of Georgia in Atlanta. He was speaking there to Joe O’Brien. SOURCE: ABC RADIO Australia http://www.abc.net.au/am/s348583.htm * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn