Dr. Hwang, Woo Suk and his research team at Seoul National University announced through Science Magazine in 2004 that the world’s first patient-specific human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line derived from SCNT was established. However, this announcement became the center of controversy when the Seoul National University Investigation Committee (SNUIC) claimed that the SCNT-hES-1 line was derived from parthenogenesis. Since then, many other studies have drawn different conclusion about the actual origin of the SCNT-hES-1 line.

Seven years later, a research team led by Prof. Jeung, Eui-Bae at Chungbuk National University in Korea published a paper in the International Journal of Moecular Medicine journal indicating that the SCNT-hES-1 line established by Dr. Hwang, Woo Suk in 2004 was indeed derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The study compared the expression and methylation patterns of imprinted genes in the SCNT-hES-1 cells with those of the donor’s somatic cells through semi-quantitative RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and bisulfite sequencing. Results obtained in the research provided evidence to the SCNT characteristics of the SCNT-hES-1 line and are expected to give new insights to the controversy surrounding the authenticity of the pluripotent hES cell line.

The paper is available at the following URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21837357

Dr. Hwang, Woo Suk and his research team at Seoul National University announced through Science Magazine in 2004 that the world’s first patient-specific human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line derived from SCNT was established. However, this announcement became the center of controversy when the Seoul National University Investigation Committee (SNUIC) claimed that the SCNT-hES-1 line was derived from parthenogenesis. Since then, many other studies have drawn different conclusion about the actual origin of the SCNT-hES-1 line.

Recently, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) issued a patent regarding the SCNT-1 line and the methods for preparing it. The title of the invention is called “Embryonic Stem Cell Line and Method for Preparing the Same.” The announcement of acceptance came after more than five years of strict validation by CIPO since the patent&rsquos filing date in 2006. This is expected to influence the decisions by intellectual property offices in many other countries in which the same invention is waiting for acceptance. Also, the registration of SCNT-1 patent is expected to provide new insights to the controversy surrounding the authenticity the pluripotent hES cell line

More information about the patent is available at the following URL: http://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/2551266/summary.html?type=number_search

Sooam successfully registered a dog cloning related patent with the title of "Methods for increasing cloning efficiency of animals in the Canidae family" in Korea. Through a strict validation process of the invention for almost two years since its filing date, the invention was finally registered. The invention will remain as a written proof of Sooam's superior dog cloning techniques and will hopefully be applied to many other species in the Canidae family.

Certificate of patent

The adoption ceremony took place at Sooam with the attendance of President Yoon from Sungduk University. All of the clones were 5 months old. They were born with perfect health and were raised under the gentle care of Sooam scientists. Over the past 5 months they had become a part of the Sooam family as well. We wish that all the Joororongs will live long and happy lives with endless love as new members of the Sungduk University family. Before they were handed over to President Yoon, silk string clusters were hung on their necks, which means wishing for long and happy lives in Korea. We also wish that these dogs will remind college students about the monumental story of scientific breakthrough and motivate them to respect every life form.

(Top Left) Silk strings were hung on Jurorongs' necks to wish for their long and happy lives.

(Top Right) Dr. Hwang, Woo Suk with President Yoon.

(Bottom) Sooam researchers sending off Jurorongs.

Seven transgenic beagles were born from the same mother through artificial insemination. Three were female and four were male. Both parents were also Alzheimer's transgenic disease model dogs. The newborns are currently being raised by their mother. These puppies are expected to have a great impact in science if germline transmission of Alzheimer's disease is validated and confirmed.

(Picture) Seven newborns suckling.

Sooam signed a research agreement with the Gyeonggi Province for collaborative research on endangered species cloning. This agreement allows Sooam to obtain somatic cells from endangered species and use them to deliver cloned endangered animals.

(Left) Dr. Hwang Woo Suk with Governor Kim Moon-Soo.

(Right) Representative from Sooam with Governor Kim Moon Soo. From left, Prof. Yang Il Suk, Dr. Hwang Woo Suk, Governor Kim Moon Soo, Prof. Jeung Eui Bae, Prof. Hyun Sang Hwan.

Sooam signed an agreement with the Rural Development Administration of Korea for a national R&D project titled "Delivery of Transgenic Cow for Production of Interferon."

Interferon transgenic embryo transfer by Dr. Hwang Woo Suk.

Sooam BRF had a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the construction of its new facility in Seoul. The new facility in Seoul will be located in Guro and will be about ten times bigger than Sooam's current facility at Yongin. Hundreds of people from all over Korea came and congratulated the event. Relocation is expected to take place sometime during late November, 2011.

Bird's eye view of Sooam's new facility.

Construction progress as of July, 2011.