Stem-cell research has a future, despite European court ruling

John Savill

Last month the European Court of Justice confirmed what many researchers had feared by ruling that material derived from human embryonic stem cells and procedures involving their use could not be patented. The decision understandably provoked anger from dedicated scientists who, after decades in the field of regenerative medicine, felt as if the rug had been pulled from under them.

The ruling brought significant concerns for the Medical Research Council. But though the threat to the future of UK regenerative medicine research is real, it is more essential now than ever to keep a sense of perspective. The full impact of the ruling will take months to assess and we will continue to work with scientists, industry and governments to do so.