How Genentech Engineered Antibodies to Block the Bv8 Protein
This patent details specific genetic blueprints for creating antibodies that target and neutralize Bv8, a protein often associated with tumor growth and inflammation.
Original patent title: “Anti-Bv8 antibodies and uses thereof”
This patent details specific genetic blueprints for creating antibodies that target and neutralize Bv8, a protein often associated with tumor growth and inflammation. Granted to Genentech Inc in 2016 with 9 claims.
Key facts
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The patent claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more → the specific genetic sequences (nucleic acids) required to manufacture antibodies that bind to the Bv8 protein. These antibodies work by attaching to the Bv8 molecule, effectively neutralizing its ability to interact with its receptors in the body. By defining the exact amino acid sequences for the six hypervariable regions (HVRs)—the parts of the antibody that act like a lock to the protein's key—the patent provides a precise recipe for creating these therapeutic molecules. These sequences are then packaged into vectors and host cells, which act as biological factories to produce the antibodies at scale.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover antibodies that bind to proteins other than Bv8.
- Does not cover the clinical use or medical treatment methods for patients using these antibodies.
- Does not cover antibodies with hypervariable region sequences that deviate from the specific amino acid patterns defined in the claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →.
- Does not cover the Bv8 protein itself, only the synthetic antibodies designed to bind to it.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
What made this novel
The invention identifies the precise, highly specific amino acid configurations in the hypervariable regions that allow an antibody to bind to Bv8 with high affinity, effectively turning off a signaling pathway that tumors rely on.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Experimental cancer therapies targeting tumor-associated angiogenesis
Biological research tools for studying Bv8 signaling pathways
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Bv8 is a protein linked to the growth of blood vessels in tumors, a process known as angiogenesis. By blocking this protein, researchers aim to starve tumors of the blood supply they need to grow and spread. This patent represents a foundational step in developing targeted biological therapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Filed
May 29, 2014
Granted
February 23, 2016
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, continues to lead in the development of therapeutic antibodies. The research community uses these findings to further investigate the role of Bv8 in myeloid cell mobilization and tumor microenvironments.
Market impact
This patent secures the intellectual property for a specific class of therapeutic agents, enabling Genentech to protect its investment in developing Bv8-targeted drugs. It serves as a building block for potential future oncology treatments that focus on the tumor microenvironment rather than just the tumor cells themselves.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The patent claims the specific genetic sequences (nucleic acids) required to manufacture antibodies that bind to the Bv8 protein. These antibodies work by attaching to the Bv8 molecule, effectively neutralizing its ability to interact with its receptors in the body. By defining the exact amino acid sequences for the six hypervariable regions (HVRs)—the parts of the antibody that act like a lock to the protein's key—the patent provides a precise recipe for creating these therapeutic molecules. These sequences are then packaged into vectors and host cells, which act as biological factories to produce the antibodies at scale.
The clever bit
The invention identifies the precise, highly specific amino acid configurations in the hypervariable regions that allow an antibody to bind to Bv8 with high affinity, effectively turning off a signaling pathway that tumors rely on.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover antibodies that bind to proteins other than Bv8.
- Does not cover the clinical use or medical treatment methods for patients using these antibodies.
- Does not cover antibodies with hypervariable region sequences that deviate from the specific amino acid patterns defined in the claims.
- Does not cover the Bv8 protein itself, only the synthetic antibodies designed to bind to it.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
6/20
Moderate scope
Recency
5/20
Granted 10–20 years ago
Assignee scale
20/20
Major company or institution
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$56K – $180K
Midpoint $113K · 8.0 yr remaining · industry ×3.0
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
The original legal language
Original claims
9 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Ferrara, N., Meng, Y. G., Yu, L., Wu, V., Tien, J., Wu, X., & Liang, W. (2016). How Genentech Engineered Antibodies to Block the Bv8 Protein (U.S. Patent No. 9,266,948). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9266948/kadcyla-t-dm1
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How Genentech Engineered Antibodies to Block the Bv8 Protein cover?
This patent details specific genetic blueprints for creating antibodies that target and neutralize Bv8, a protein often associated with tumor growth and inflammation.
Who owns patent US 9266948?
Genentech Inc owns this patent, granted in 2016.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on February 23, 2036, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
Bv8 is a protein linked to the growth of blood vessels in tumors, a process known as angiogenesis. By blocking this protein, researchers aim to starve tumors of the blood supply they need to grow and spread. This patent represents a foundational step in developing targeted biological therapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover antibodies that bind to proteins other than Bv8.
Same assignee
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