In patent filings involving a scientific breakthrough in stem cell research, Nixon Peabody worked with the Immune Disease Institute to consider the therapeutic and research potentials of inventor Derrick J Rossi's work. Referred to by many as the holy grail of stem cell research, the development produces cells without using embryonic cells and inflicting changes in the genetic makeup known to have caused cancer. Biotechnology/chemistry group head David Resnick led the Nixon Peabody team.