Japanese and French Firms Agree on Sharing Stem-Cell Research

Cellectis SA of France, according to an agreement, can have access to a Japanese firm's patents on how to develop stem cells for medical treatment. iPS Academia Japan, which manages patents about use of so-called induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, signed the accord with the French biotechnology firm, Kyodo News reported without revealing the patent fee.

Under the accord Cellectis will test its drugs' performance and develop new therapeutic drugs using the iPS cells, which have the potential to grow into any type of body tissue, Kyodo said.

The iPS cells were developed by a Kyoto University team led by Professor Shinya Yamanaka. The university was granted the patents in September 2008 and then formed iPS Academia Japan to manage them.

The French firm is the third overseas company to conclude such an agreement, following Cellular Dynamics International Inc. of the United States and Axiogenesis AG of Germany, Kyodo said.

Source-AFP