The USPTO has upheld a key WARF stem cell patent, which as the California Biotech Law Blog reported in April 2007, is considered one of the most significant patents on stem cells.

According to Bill Novak, reporter for Madison.com:

The patent for the primate and human embryonic stem cell known as 913 was one of three under review by the patent office, following challenges brought by the New York-based Public Patent Foundation and the California-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.

The 913 decision was the first in the review process, with the patent office also re-examining the patents by WARF for stem cells 780 and 806.

Novak reports that decisions are still pending on the two remaining patents under review: the 780 and 606 patents.  We will keep you posted on the status of those patents as we hear of any new developments.