Greenpeace Claims Experiment Has Already Taken Place

MADRID, Spain, OCT. 6, 2000 (ZENIT.org).- Two genetics firms have produced
mixed human-pig embryos, the environmental group Greenpeace claimed.  Greenpeace published a statement late last week revealing that the two
firms hope to patent mixed human-pig embryos in the European Patents Office.  Both firms are requesting exclusive rights for genetic manipulation of
embryos with this technology, Greenpeace said.  "In their patent application, both Stem Cell Sciences (Australia) and  Biotransplant (United States) state in detail that their scientists have
already produced mixed embryos of two species: human and porcine," said a
note published by the Servimedia agency.  Greenpeace said the experiment was carried out by removing the nucleus of  the cell of a pig, and replacing it with another, taken from an unborn  baby. The resulting embryo grew for a week, the group claimed.  Greenpeace said the application states clearly that the patent would be  extensive, and include not only pigs, cows and sheep but also human embryos.The group added that the research was carried out primarily to show that  such nuclear transference could be applied to humans, for the purpose of  obtaining a patent that would cover the technology used. There was no
specific medical reason given for the production of mixed embryos.  "The present patent system supports speculative experiments to be able to claim proprietorship and exclusive rights over new techniques," said  Ricardo Aguilar, Greenpeace campaigns director. The organization has asked  European Union countries to change the existing Patents Directive to prohibit patents on life.
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