Stem-cell technology is one of the emerging fields in UK but it would suffer a setback, as the Europe’s apex court has ruled out that it would not patent any stem cell research or process, which involves destruction of human embryo.

UK scientist fraternity has got real shock from this ruling, and termed ‘quite devastating’.

Researchers were of the view that this decision would act as hurdle for the treatment of chronic diseases like Parkinson’s, dementia, and visual impairment. Investors used to invest huge amounts on these researches, but it seems that investors would have to shift their attention to Asia or Africa.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) was of the view that restriction on stem-cell therapy has been levied as for this research, researchers have to take out some cell lines, which are attached to embryo, and the extraction process could harm embryo, leading to its destruction. They further affirmed that the extraction is done at the time when the embryo is at the ‘blastocyst stage’, an implantation stage.

European Christian groups were waiting for this decision, and applauded the ruling. And, they termed the decision to be in the favor of mankind. In response to it, the European Centre for Law and Justice said they “protect life and human dignity”. For many institutions, which were against the stem cell therapy, welcomed the news, and said that the decision is the win of ethics, which still are above than commercial interest.

This ruling would be liable for all the European countries, and if researchers want to do fundamental research they can do it, but cannot implement its developments. And, theory without practical is of no use.