EXHIBIT 5.1

                                               , 2001

Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc.

          Re:       Registration Statement on Form S-1
                    SEC File No. 333-67350

Ladies and Gentlemen:


     We have acted as counsel to Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with a Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (the "Registration Statement") relating to the sale by the Company of up to
4,025,000 shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share
(including 525,000 shares to be subject to the Underwriter's over-allotment
option) (the "Common Stock").


     We have examined such documents and have reviewed such questions of law as
we have considered necessary and appropriate for the purposes of our opinions
set forth below. In rendering our opinions set forth below, we have assumed the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of
all signatures and the conformity to authentic originals of all documents
submitted to us as copies. We have also assumed the legal capacity for all
purposes relevant hereto of all natural persons. As to questions of fact
material to our opinions, we have relied upon certificates of officers of the
Company and of public officials. We have also assumed that the Common Stock will
be issued and sold as described in the Registration Statement.


     Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the shares of Common
Stock to be sold by the Company pursuant to the Registration Statement have been
duly authorized therefore as described in the Registration Statement, will be
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.


     Our opinions expressed above are limited to the laws of the State of
Washington and to the Delaware General Corporation Law.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, and to the reference to our firm under the heading
"Legal Matters" in the Prospectus that constitutes part of the Registration
Statement.

                                        Very truly yours,


                                        /s/ Lane Powell Spears Lubersky LLP