University Grants Rights To Stem Cell Technology
Minnesota Researcher Isolates Stem Cells From Adult Bone Marrow
MINNEAPOLIS -- The University of Minnesota has granted exclusive rights to a breakthrough stem cell technology to a Cleveland-based company.
Athersys Inc. plans to use the technology to develop therapies for treating a wide range of diseases.
Researchers at the university reported in a July issue of the journal Nature that a specific type of stem cell isolated from adult bone marrow can be transformed into virtually any cell type.
Dr. Catherine Verfaillie, director of the university's Stem Cell Institute, said the finding offers potential for treating diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy and inherited disorders.
About 20 research institutions in the United States, Europe and Japan have signed agreements that give them access to the technology. Those researchers are free to use the cells, but Athersys would have the option to license any commercial applications.
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