Definitive endoderm

Patent Number: 7,510,876

Continuing Novocell's domination of IP in the area of developing commercial ES-derived products, this recent patent covers composition of matter on in vitro endoderm (eg progenitor cell of the liver, pancreas, digestive tube)  derived from "multipotent" cells. 

The broadest claim, "An in vitro cell culture comprising human cells wherein at least 15% of said human cells are definitive endoderm cells, said definitive endoderm cells being multipotent cells that can differentiate into cells of the gut tube or organs derived therefrom" is noteworthy since it literally blocks anyone from having tissue culture containing endodermal cells derived from ANY stem cell.  Commercialization of stem cells will in one shape or form have to go through the process of having living cells in vitro at one step of the production process. 

Perhaps even more interesting is that the first claim does not limit itself to how the definitive endoderm is generated.  This would mean that ANY type of differentiation technique used would still require licensing of this patent.

One of the examples provided in the patent is inducing multipotent cell differentiation to definitive endoderm by culture of the cells in growth factors that are members of the TGF-beta superfamily such as Nodal/Activin or BMP subgroups.

Novocell also has issued patents covering mouse-free ES expansion techniques, and PEG-encapsulation of the generated cells .

By patenting all aspects of the therapeutic product from cell expansion, to the cell itself, to the encapsulation technology (allows for administration without immune suppression), Novocell has built perhaps one of the best IP porfolios in the industry.

View this patent on the USPTO website.