Human embryonic stem cells: patentability of inventions in Europe
The European federation of Academies ALLEA (All European Academies) pleads that in Europe the patentability of human embryonic stem cells be assessed in applying the same moral standards that are applicable to research and development on them as well as to their production and commercialisation.
ALLEA argues that it is therefore necessary to separate the invention from whatever preceded and whatever follows it and is controlled by regulations in force and prevailing principles of ethics and morals. Only such an approach can prevent human embryonic stem cells from being equated to an “embryo”, whose definition will develop further depending on the progress of scientific knowledge. Taking account of rapid developments within the life sciences, the current ALLEA statement re-addresses this issue again after 2011 and 2013.
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