Government debate since late last year on whether to introduce a patent system for new types of medical practice, including regenerative medicine, has been deadlocked due to ethical questions and possible sharp increases in medical expenses.
"Patents are a weapon for small companies to do research and development. With a license, even a venture enterprise can talk to a major enterprise on an equal footing," said Ryuichi Morishita, a visiting professor at Osaka University, speaking in May at a specialized committee meeting of the government's Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters.
Based on results of university research, committee member Morishita created AnGes MG Inc., a venture to produce genetically engineered medical supplies.