20 June 2014BiotechnologyFranz-Josef Zimmer and Markus Grammel

Tough times continue for stem cell patents

Two decisions handed down by a Technical Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office (EPO)—T 1836/10 in April 2013 and T 2221/10 in February 2014—seem to cement the restrictive approach that has taken hold at the EPO with regard to the patenting of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).

Already registered?

For multi-user price options, or to check if your company has an existing subscription that we can add you to for FREE, please email Adrian Tapping at atapping@newtonmedia.co.uk

More on this story

Biotechnology

Gilead to pay up to $5bn for antibody-drug conjugates push

8 April 2026 The acquisition of Munich-based biotech gives Gilead ownership of proprietary ADCs tech at a time when pharma and biotech companies are racing to secure next-generation cancer treatments.

Biotechnology

Closing the women's health gap offers ‘benefits for all’

7 April 2026 On World Health Day 2026, despite data trending in the right direction, systemic barriers continue to limit female inventors—and women's health is suffering.

Biotechnology

Novartis bets $2bn on biologics as Xolair patents fade

27 March 2026 The Swiss pharma giant targets next-generation anti-IgE biologics as it looks to extend its dominance in the market.