MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the patenting of cryopreservation of stem cells
2.7.2012
Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris
B7‑0387/2012
European Parliament resolution on the patenting of cryopreservation of stem cells
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Rule 120 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas stem cells in the Chorionic Villi are multipotent foetal stem cells with strong reproductive potential and are also ethically unproblematic; whereas numerous clinical trials are in progress around the world with the aim of demonstrating the effective role which stems cells from the Chorionic Villi could in future play in curing many diseases, in cell therapy and in the regeneration of damaged tissues;
B. whereas it is hoped that in future this biological heritage which belongs to the individual at birth can be used to cure diseases or regenerate tissues, the major advantage of cryopreservation of stem cells being that the child will always have at his disposal a sample of his own, totally compatible stem cells;
C. whereas an undertaking has announced that it is applying for a patent which will make it possible to cryopreserve stem cells extracted from the Chorionic Villi by villocentesis for the purpose of prenatal analysis;
1. Calls on the Commission to support, by means of European funding, this method of cryopreservation, which makes it possible to achieve excellent results in terms of the quantity and quality of the stem cells preserved.