The Business Journal of Milwaukee, March 12
Just a day after the University of Wisconsin’s patent licensing arm won a government ruling upholding a pair of key stem cell patents, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle announced Wednesday that Madison will host a world gathering of stem cell researchers, advocates and investors later this year.
The World Stem Cell Summit on Sept. 22-23 willk bring together preeminent researchers, advocates, investors, and other industry leaders to advance human embryonic stem cell research and the resultant technologies.
“Embryonic stem cell research holds the potential to cure some of the world’s oldest and deadliest diseases – from Parkinson’s to Alzheimer’s to multiple sclerosis,” Doyle said. “Stem cell research represents the promise to not only save lives, but to create economic opportunity for innovation and job growth as well.
The World Stem Cell Summit is the preeminent gathering for the entire global stem cell community and will provide critical tools for leadership and advancements for the future of regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine and stem cell technologies are estimated to become a $500 billion industry over the next 20 years.
The announcement comes the day after the UW-Madison patent and licensing arm, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, said the remaining two stem cell patents that were challenged by a pair of consumer groups have been upheld by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. A third disputed patent was upheld in a ruling in late February.
The three patents were challenged through reexamination proceedings initiated in October 2006 at the request of New York-based Public Patent Foundation and the California-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.