Stemagen acquired the exclusive rights to a patent for uniparental embryonic stem cells from the University of Pennsylvania. Because these stem cells are created without fertilization, they may represent an acceptable alternative for those who oppose the traditional method that requires the use of embryos that are potentially capable of reproduction, the company reports.
“Because Stemagen has been successful in developing human uniparental embryonic stem cell lines, we believe we are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this patent,” said Stemagen CEO Samuel H. Wood, M.D., Ph.D.