Pros and cons of patenting stem cells

Abstract

The evolution and transformation of research in the field of biotechnology are clearly reflected in patent rules. In view of further development of biotechnology and the pressure from multinational biotechnical companies, gene patenting was first granted in some legal systems in order to initiate the regulation of patent protection of stem cells. Further research should provide a better understanding of the differentiation and development of stem cells, including their potential effects in curing previously incurable diseases. It should also engender new ways of exploring fundamental issues in biology, such as the mechanism of cell growth. Therefore, researchers and primarily biotech companies advocate in favor of ensuring the monopoly on the results of their research. Such a monopoly is secured by patent law. Although remarkable progress has been made in the research of stem cells, many aspects of their use, especially of embryonic cells, have not been fully clarified and made comprehensible. Successful applications of products that use a stem cell derivative (on the one hand) and moral dilemmas primarily relating to embryonic stem cells (on the other hand) have resulted in a debate that has affected many legal areas, such as patent law. Such morally challenging products have caused great concern in the USA and the EU. However, these two entities have tried to solve the problem in different ways. Different views on law, ethics and embryos have also affected different views regarding patent protection of stem cells.