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Archive for the ‘Legal Issues Stem Cells’ Category

Inventing life: patent law and synthetic biology

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

By Alison McLennan & Matthew Rimmer

The field of synthetic biology poses a number of challenges for patent law.

With promises of improved medical treatments, greener energy and even artificial life, the field of synthetic biology has captured the public imagination and attracted significant government and commercial investment.

This excitement reached a crescendo on 21 May 2010, when scientists at the J Craig Venter Institute in the United States announced that they had made a “self-replicating synthetic bacterial cell”. This was the first living cell to have an entirely human-made genome, which means that all of the cell’s characteristics were controlled by a DNA sequence designed by scientists.

This achievement in biological engineering was made possible by combining molecular biotechnology, gene synthesis technology and information technology.

Possibilities of synthetic biology
In his autobiography, A Life Decoded, J. Craig Venter contends that synthetic biology has the potential to address concerns about energy security, climate change and sustainable development: “My company, Synthetic Genomics Inc., is already trying to turn an organism into a biofactory that could make clean hydrogen fuel from sunlight and water or soak up more carbon dioxide.”

He elaborated on his long-term scientific aspirations: “From there I want to take us far from shore into unknown waters, to a new phase of evolution, to the day when one DNA-based species can sit down at a computer to design another.”

Venter maintained: “I plan to show that we understand the software of life by creating true artificial life”.

Another leading researcher, Jay D. Keasling, is confident that the field of synthetic biology can increase access to essential medicines – particularly to provide protection against malaria.

However, civil society groups and technology activists have raised concerns about the risks synthetic biology may pose to security, public health and the environment. The ETC Group, for instance, is concerned that organisms made with synthetic biology (such as engineered bacteria) could be released into the environment, with unknown effects. They’re also concerned about potential weaponisation of synthetic biology.

Patentability
There has been much controversy over the application of patent law to emerging technologies, with large legal battles over the patentability of information technology and business methods, genetic testing, medical information, and stem cell research.

The field of synthetic biology also poses a number of challenges for patent law and public policy. One of the most important questions patent experts (such as Professor Graham Dutfield) are asking is whether synthetic biology is too different from previous biotechnologies to apply existing objections to the patenting of living things.

In addition to considering patentability of synthetic biology, patent offices and courts will have to consider the novelty, inventiveness and utility of the claimed inventions and scope of the claims, in light of the scientific knowledge in this field.

In the United States, patent applications for synthetic biology have fallen into two broad categories: ?1) biological tools, methods and products.?
2) computer programs. This includes software for design of biological devices and programs for analysis of biochemical activity within cells.

Some US patent applications have focused on the construction of a synthetic cell. Scientists at the J Craig Venter Institute, for example, have filed applications for patents on a minimal bacterial genome, a synthetic genome and a method of installing a genome into a cell.

Other US patent applications have involved the creation of useful biological products from cells, such as Jay D. Keasling and colleagues’ production of a malaria drug precursor in a genetically modified cell.

There are also patent applications for various methods of biofuel production.

Law reform
US President Barack Obama’s Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues recommended that synthetic biology be regulated using the principles of public beneficence, responsible stewardship, intellectual freedom and responsibility, democratic deliberation and justice and fairness.

The Commission was, however, hopeful that synthetic biology could “be developed in an ethically responsible manner”.

But intellectual property expert Arti K. Rai has concerns that, as patent thickets have been a problem in the information technology and biotechnology sector, this could also slow the progress of synthetic biology research.

To counter this risk, some scientists and researchers have called for the introduction of a broad defence of experimental use, under patent law, to protect them from the threat of patent litigation.
The US-based group of scientists, BioBricks Foundation, already promotes open innovation in this field and have created a space to share their own research, right from the establishment of a new field.

Sharing of information and resources in synthetic biology research is facilitated by the Registry of Standard Biological Parts, which is supported by a culture of sharing in the synthetic biology community.

Somewhat more radically, biopunks – do-it-yourself biologists – question the use of intellectual property rights altogether in the field of synthetic biology. The international group of do-it-yourself biologists, known as DIYbio, has groups in North America, Europe and Asia, and individual members in many countries including Australia.

In his book, Biopunk, Marcus Wohlsen explains that in the US he’s observed, “An intellectual property system designed to spur innovation by allowing inventors to profit off their inventions has become in biopunks’ eyes a high-stakes game of low-stakes progress.”

The emerging field of synthetic biology is ripe for law review and reform, both overseas and at home in Australia. We’re seeing a proliferation of patents in this field, with the potential for significant impact on health, the environment and the economy.

If governments are serious about the progress of biological research, they will have to consider the implications of patenting and licensing of synthetic biology.

Alison McLennan ?is a PhD candidate & Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar at the Australian National University, where Matthew Rimmer is an ?ARC Future Fellow and Associate Professor in Intellectual Property. This article was originally published at The Conversation.

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Inventing life: patent law and synthetic biology

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Stem Cells Explained – Jeunesse Luminesce on www.WiseMLM.com – Video

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

28-01-2012 05:25 Warning: Jeunesse Luminesce contains no stem-cells, only stem cell serums, however, below is a blurb that support the use of stem-cells http://www.wisemlm.com http This is a very 'hot button' issue that keeps arising in the face of politicians everywhere in the country. What if anything should the government involve itself in for the issues of stem cell research? How far should the government press into the fields of medical science research? Should the government interfere at all, or stand back and come up with laws to handle the consequences of such research? It comes into question, how many ordinary Americans really know and understand what stem cell research is, how it can effect our lives, and what does it have the ability to do in the future? With topics such as abortion being very hot and causing pressures on all sides, it only seems natural that stem cell research should cause just as much controversy. Many supporters argue that the research gathered will be able to save millions of lives, while those opposing the research all argue that they are killing thousands of innocent children in the process. This brings the question, where do the embryos come from? The majority of the embryos used in the research come from couples that have donated them, following a treatment for infertility; there are often 10 or more embryos left over after such procedures, which can be put to use in the laboratory environment. The options for those embryos are limited; they can be preserved ...

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Stem Cells Explained - Jeunesse Luminesce on http://www.WiseMLM.com - Video

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Call for Obama Assassination Free Speech, Not a Crime – Video

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

22-07-2011 13:41 --The 9th Circuit Court rules that a man's call for President Obama's assassination is free speech, and not a crime. --On the Bonus Show: Woman jailed after cutting off husband's penis, Japanese scientists create teeth from mouse stem cells, genetic research confirms non-Africans are part Neanderthal, more.

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Call for Obama Assassination Free Speech, Not a Crime - Video

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Stem Cell Research, Ethics and Religion – Video

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

BBC: Today Programme, March, 2009 Stem Cell Research and Religion Hosted by Edward Stourton Guests: Dr. Omar Sultan Haque, Program in Psychiatry and the Law, Harvard Medical School Dr.

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Stem Cell Research, Ethics and Religion - Video

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Neuroethics at the World Science Festival – Video

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

This video is from the "World Science Festival" meeting that took place on May 31st, 2007 in New York on the topic of "What it Means to Be Human." The event was moderated by Charlie Rose. Participants include philosopher Daniel Dennett, artist Jonathan Harris, AI researcher Marvin Minsky, anthropologist Ian Tattersall, geneticist Francis Collins, neuroscientist Antonio Damasio, philosopher Patricia Churchland, sociologist Nikolas Rose, embryonic stem cell biologist Renee Reijo Pera, and Nobel Laureates Harold Varmus and Paul Nurse. In this clip, Nikolas Rose expresses doubts that the field of neuroethics will have any radical implications for jurisprudence, to which both Patricia Churchland and Francis Collins agree

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Neuroethics at the World Science Festival - Video

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Eugenics – Human Sperm Created in British Lab – Video

Saturday, December 17th, 2011

British scientists claim a first in medical history by using embryonic stem cells to create human sperm in a laboratory. Researchers at Newcastle Uni hope it will help infertile couples but it has sparked an ethical debate. Sky's Gerard Tubb reports.

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Eugenics - Human Sperm Created in British Lab - Video

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San Diego Biotechs Impacted By Stem Cell Ruling – Video

Saturday, December 17th, 2011

We'll find out how a court ruling on federally funded stem cell research will impact the local biotech industry.

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San Diego Biotechs Impacted By Stem Cell Ruling - Video

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The Real American News Show (4-08-09) – Video

Saturday, December 17th, 2011

In this episode I take a more serious tone and want to hear what you guys think on the following issues: conscience law, stem cells, and gay marriage. I'd love to hear what you guys think.

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The Real American News Show (4-08-09) - Video

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Stem Cell Based Lab Grown Meat coming soon – Video

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Stem Cell based lab grown meat... http://www.sott.net FAIRUSE: This site may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner

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Stem Cell Based Lab Grown Meat coming soon - Video

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5 Things you should know about stem cell research – Video

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Michigan voters soon will decide whether to change a Michigan law that currently restricts research using embryonic stem cells.

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5 Things you should know about stem cell research - Video

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Virginia 18th State to Legislate Cord Blood Education – Video

Friday, December 16th, 2011

http://www.stemcellbuzz.net Last week, the Governor of Virginia, Bob McDonnell, signed the states Cord Blood Education Bill (HB85) into law requiring the State Department of Health to publish information on its website about cord blood stem cells and parents options of preserving them. The new law also requires prenatal care physicians to educate expectant parents about their options early enough in pregnancy so that they can make an informed decision about whether to privately bank their childs newborn stem cells or donate them to a public bank. With the passage of the Virginia law, 18 states -- representing two-thirds of the US population -- now benefit from state-endorsed education on cord blood stem cells and the private and public cord blood banking options available to parents.

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Virginia 18th State to Legislate Cord Blood Education - Video

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Republican Presidential Candidate Video Question – Video

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Should any of you on the stage tonight become President, would you enact into Law The Stem Cell Reseach Enactment Act of 2007, if Yes why? if No why not? Do not confuse this question with the Clonig Issue

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Republican Presidential Candidate Video Question - Video

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News Update: Judge Rules Against Obama’s Stem Cell Policy – Video

Friday, December 16th, 2011

A federal judge's Monday ruling blocked President Obama's 2009 order to expand embryonic stem cell research. Chief Judge Royce Lamberth of DC's Federal District Court says the presidential order violates a ban on using federal money to destroy embryos

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News Update: Judge Rules Against Obama's Stem Cell Policy - Video

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The Business of Stem Cells (Part 3) – Bloomberg – Video

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

Spotlight on Osiris Therapeutics - Interview with CEO Randal Mills (Bloomberg News)

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The Business of Stem Cells (Part 3) - Bloomberg - Video

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Obama Lifts Stem-Cell Research Ban – Bloomberg – Video

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

Live! From White House: President Barack Obama Holds News Conference, Announces Lift on Funding Ban on Embryonic Stem-Cell Research, and Signs Bill Into Effect Immediately [FULL CLIP - 11:27] (Bloomberg News)

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Obama Lifts Stem-Cell Research Ban - Bloomberg - Video

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Adult Stem Cell – Video

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

Students Connie Dillard, Nancy Johnson, Cathy Luhrsen

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Adult Stem Cell - Video

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More Perspective – Obama Uplifts Stem-Cell Research Ban – Bloomberg – Video

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

Obama to Restore "Science Integrity" as Part of Stem-Cell Shift - Interview with Rep. Diana DeGette (D) of Colorado, Chief Deputy Whip (Bloomberg News)

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More Perspective - Obama Uplifts Stem-Cell Research Ban - Bloomberg - Video

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SCIENCE FRICTION – THE EMBRYO WAR – Video

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

Clip from a Documentary exploring the science behind embryonic stem cell research and the wider ethical and moral issues that it raises. Part of a series examining the fault lines between science and society, commissioned by RTÉ.

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SCIENCE FRICTION - THE EMBRYO WAR - Video

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Lifting the Ban: The Struggle for Stem Cells (II) – Video

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

Lifting the Ban: The Struggle for Embryonic Stem Cell Research (Part 2 of 2) James Hardie -Director Joey O'Connor -Cinematographer/Editor Steve Hartter -MoOF Cinematographer/Editor Jackie Vandervest -Tech Guru Year: 2005 Spartan Wheat Production team from Michigan State University's Lyman Briggs College presents a documentary film that attempts to clarify controversial issues connected with stem cells. The film teams explains: "Stem cells are unspecialized cells that give rise later in life to a specific specialized cell of an organ or tissue

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Lifting the Ban: The Struggle for Stem Cells (II) - Video

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Inside Look: Stem-Cell Research Ban Lifted – Bloomberg – Video

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

Reaction with BioTime CEO Michael West (Bloomberg News)

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Inside Look: Stem-Cell Research Ban Lifted - Bloomberg - Video

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