IVGN announces Licensing deal with WARF
Posted by Jim H on May 8, 2008
According to their web site today, Invitrogen has signed an agreement with Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) for Human Embryonic Stem Cells.
According to the release:
Under the terms of the agreement, Invitrogen will have the right to work with karyotypically normal hESCs to develop novel research and drug discovery tools.
“Invitrogen’s goal is the development of research tools that enhance the ability of scientists to work with embryonic stem cells and to enhance the utility of these cells for research and drug discovery,” said Joydeep Goswami, Vice President, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine. “Having the ability to work with karyotypically normal hESCs through our license with WARF allows us to develop better technologies for research, such as more defined media and engineered stem cell lines. This agreement is another step in our strategy of pursuing advances in the high-growth area of regenerative medicine.”
This is interesting in several regards. WARF appears to be holding it’s own in defending several patents related to hES cells, although the verdict is still out.
Perhaps more interesting is that IVGN’s RegMed group is, I believe, in Frederick. At least Dr Rao, who is also a VP of the Stem Cell Group, is in Frederick.
