Human embryonic stem cells having genetic modifications

Patent Number: 7,413,904

This patent covers a method of generating human embryonic stem cells that are genetically modified.  Specifically, it claims the methodology of: obtaining a human embryonic stem cells that are in absence of feeder cells but kept viable in an extracellular matrix composition with media conditioned by fibroblasts, inserting into the cells a polynucleotide, and maintaining the cells in an environment that contains extracellular matrix and media conditioned by fibroblasts.

From reading the claims it appears that Geron can block anyone from transfecting an embryonic stem cell with ANY construct as long as the embryonic stem cells are grown on an extracellular matrix and in media that is conditioned by fibroblasts. 

Geron has numerous patents on embryonic stem cell differentiation processes, as well as other culture techniques, however by carefully being aware of where the intellectual property fence is, companies are still flourishing in this space, for example, Novocell is developing pancreatic islets, from embryonic stem cells.

View this patent on the USPTO website.