ReNeuron Group plc notes press coverage regarding an ongoing European legal case concerning the patentability of human embryonic stem cells.

A legal opinion has been given by the advocate-general of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) regarding a patent test case originally brought in Germany and ultimately referred to the ECJ.

The opinion given by the advocate-general is that patent claims involving the use of human embryonic stem cells should not be allowed. The ECJ is due to decide over the coming months whether to uphold this legal opinion in their ruling on the case.

ReNeuron wishes to confirm that it does not utilize human embryonic stem cells in its own research and development programmes and has no plans to do so.

Consequently, ReNeuron’s technologies, development programmes and its extensive patent estate would be unaffected by any prohibition on the patenting of human embryonic stem cells in Europe.

Michael Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of ReNeuron, said: “Whilst we support research on all stem cell types conducted under appropriate regulatory frameworks, we have always believed that the particular technologies and cell types ReNeuron works with will stand the Company in good stead in its development of patent-protected stem cell therapeutics addressing major unmet medical needs such as stroke disability.”