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European agency rules against stem cell patents

European regulators on Thursday ruled against allowing a patent on developing human embryonic stem cells, a decision that could stifle research by stem cell companies for commercial purposes.

Opponents call the research immoral because it requires the destruction of the embryo but advocates say it is the best hope for potential cures for conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries.

The problem for companies looking to profit from technology using stem cells is that without patent protection there is little incentive to pour money into research.
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Source: Reuters

In the US:
President-elect Barack Obama is expected to lift restrictions on federal money for such research. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., also has expressed interest in going ahead with legislation in the first 100 days of the new Congress if it still is necessary to set up a regulatory framework.
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Source: Associated Press

Note: Is it surprising to think that promoting embryonic stem cell research would lead to a patenting process for human stem cell cultures?