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PatentBrief

Innovation Timeline

Biotechnology

PCR, CRISPR, recombinant DNA, monoclonal antibodies — the landmark patents behind modern biotechnology and the therapies they enabled.

Landmark patents

139

Total citations

51,865

Span

18852025

Milestones

28

1880s

1920s

1930s

1940s

1950s

1960s

US 3057356· 1960· Wilson Greatbatch Technologies IncPublic domain

The First Implantable Cardiac Pacemaker

Wilson Greatbatch's 1960 patent for the first successful implantable heart pacemaker that used a battery to regulate heartbeat.

127 citations

US 3191596· 1960· IndividualPublic domain

How Dr. Forrest Bird's Mechanical Respirator Controls Patient Breathing

A 1965 patent describing a mechanical ventilator that automatically switches between inhaling and exhaling based on pressure levels in a patient's airway.

78 citations

US 3220960· 1960· IndividualPublic domain

How Soft Contact Lenses Were Invented Using Hydrogels

This patent describes the chemical recipe for soft, water-absorbing plastic materials that form the basis of modern soft contact lenses.

228 citations

US 3492131· 1966· GD Searle LLCPublic domain

The Discovery of Aspartame as a Sugar Substitute

This 1966 patent identifies specific chemical compounds, known as aspartylphenylalanine esters, that provide intense sweetness for food and drinks without using sugar.

228 citations

1970s

US 3614954· 1970· Medtronic IncPublic domain

How the First Automatic Implantable Defibrillator Works

A 1970 invention by Medtronic that monitors heart rhythms and automatically delivers an electric shock to restart the heart if it detects a dangerous malfunction.

71 citations

US 3778614· 1971· EMI LtdPublic domain

How Early CT Scans Created Detailed Body Images

This 1973 patent describes a method for using X-rays from many angles to build a detailed 2D image of the inside of a body, like a slice of a CT scan.

163 citations

US 3789832· 1972· IndividualPublic domain

Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to Detect Cancer in Tissue

This 1974 patent describes a method and apparatus using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to measure how quickly certain atomic nuclei in a tissue sample return to their normal energy state, helping to distinguish cancerous from healthy tissue.

83 citations

US 4259444· 1972· General Electric CoPublic domain

How Scientists Created Bacteria That Eat Oil Spills

A 1981 patent for genetically engineered bacteria capable of breaking down multiple types of oil, which became the first living organism ever patented.

28 citations

US 3927193· 1973· F Hoffmann La Roche AG

Using Radioactive Antibodies to Find Tumors Inside the Body

A 1973 method for finding cancer tumors by injecting patients with radioactive antibodies that attach to tumor-specific proteins, allowing doctors to scan for their location.

66 citations

US 3987163· 1975· Burton Parsons and Co Inc

How Polystyrene Sulfonate Helps Treat Dry Eye Symptoms

A 1975 patent for an eye drop solution that uses a specific polymer to lubricate and cushion the eye, especially for contact lens wearers.

37 citations

US 4031893· 1976· Survival Technology IncPublic domain

How Auto-Injectors Adjust Their Dose Using a Simple Spacer

A 1977 invention for auto-injectors that uses a physical spacer to adjust the amount of medicine inside the device before it is fired.

108 citations

US 4081538· 1976· IndividualPublic domain

Using Specific Steroid Molecules to Block Salt Retention in the Body

A 1976 medical patent describing the use of 11-beta,18-oxidopregnane compounds to help the body excrete sodium by blocking the salt-retaining effects of the hormone aldosterone.

5 citations

US 4063048· 1977· IndividualPublic domain

How Early Cochlear Implants Used Digital Signals to Restore Hearing

A 1977 patent describing an electronic device that converts sound into digital pulses to stimulate the auditory nerve, bypassing a damaged inner ear.

55 citations

US 4147780· 1977· Ciba Geigy Corp

Chemical Compounds for Fighting Bacterial and Yeast Infections

A 1977 patent for a specific class of amino-phosphonous acid chemicals designed to act as antibiotics against bacteria and yeast.

17 citations

US 4195637· 1977· Schneider Medintag AGPublic domain

Catheter System for Opening and Closing Body Passages

This 1980 patent describes a medical catheter system with a guide catheter and a special dilatation catheter that can expand to open or close body passages, like blood vessels.

256 citations

US 4173796· 1977· University of UtahPublic domain

How Jarvik's Artificial Heart Uses Electric Motors to Pump Blood

A 1977 invention by Robert Jarvik that uses a reversible electric motor to power a hydraulic pump, enabling artificial hearts to mimic the natural pumping action of a human heart.

68 citations

Milestone
US 4235871· 1978· Individual

How to Encapsulate Active Materials in Lipid Bubbles Efficiently

This patent describes a method for trapping biologically active substances inside tiny, multi-layered fat bubbles called liposomes, using a specific water-in-oil emulsion and gel-forming process to improve how much material gets captured.

1,862 citations

US 4302536· 1978· IndividualPublic domain

How to Detect Disease Markers Using Colored Proteins

A 1981 method for measuring disease-related proteins in blood by attaching them to naturally colored proteins that can be detected with light.

27 citations

Milestone
US 4237224· 1979· Leland Stanford Junior UniversityPublic domain

How Scientists First Made DNA Replicate in New Cells

This 1980 patent describes a method for cutting and pasting DNA pieces in a lab to create new, self-replicating genetic material that can be inserted into bacteria, a foundational technique for genetic engineering.

346 citations

Milestone
US 4231938· 1979· Merck and Co IncPublic domain

The Discovery of Lovastatin for Lowering Cholesterol

A 1979 patent by Merck describing the isolation of a fermentation product from Aspergillus fungi that effectively lowers cholesterol levels in the blood.

490 citations

US 4356270· 1979· Genentech IncPublic domain

How Scientists Taught Bacteria to Make Human Hormones

Genentech's 1979 patent on using engineered DNA to force bacteria to produce human proteins like insulin and growth hormones.

86 citations

1980s

Milestone
US 4376110· 1980· Hybritech Inc

How Two Special Antibodies Find Substances in Body Fluids

This patent describes a "sandwich" method using two highly specific, man-made antibodies to detect and measure tiny amounts of specific substances, like disease markers, in a fluid sample.

1,572 citations

Milestone
US 4522811· 1982· Syntex USA LLC

Boosting Anti-Infective Activity with Muramyldipeptides and Liposomes

This patent describes a method to make anti-infective drugs called muramyldipeptides work better by injecting them separately but close in time with tiny fat bubbles called liposomes into an animal.

2,340 citations

Milestone
US 4816567· 1983· Genentech Inc

Making Hybrid Antibodies from Different Animals

This patent describes how to create new, engineered antibodies by combining parts of antibodies from two different animal species, then growing them in a lab.

8,214 citations

Milestone
US 4736866· 1984· Harvard UniversityPublic domain

Mice Engineered to Develop Cancer for Research

Harvard's 1988 patent on genetically engineered mice that carry cancer-causing genes, designed to help scientists study how cancer develops and test treatments.

644 citations

Milestone
US 4703008· 1984· Kirin Amgen Inc

How to Make Human Erythropoietin (EPO) Using Engineered DNA

This patent describes the specific DNA sequences and methods to engineer cells to produce erythropoietin (EPO), a protein vital for red blood cell production, outside the human body.

346 citations

Milestone
US 4683194· 1985· Cetus Corp

Detecting Genetic Differences Using DNA Probes and Enzymes

This 1987 patent describes a method to find tiny differences in DNA sequences by using special DNA pieces (probes) and cutting enzymes, which can help diagnose genetic conditions like sickle cell anemia.

289 citations

Milestone
US 4727064· 1985· US Department of Health and Human Services

How Special Sugars Make Medicines Dissolve Better

This patent describes how to make poorly water-soluble drugs dissolve and absorb better by mixing them with specially modified, non-crystalline sugar molecules called cyclodextrin derivatives.

341 citations

Milestone
US 4665913· 1985· LRI LPPublic domain

How Lasers Correct Vision by Reshaping the Eye's Front Surface

This patent describes a method for precisely reshaping the front surface of the eye using an ultraviolet laser to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

381 citations

Milestone
US 4683202· 1985· Cetus CorpPublic domain

How to Make Many Copies of a Specific DNA Segment

This patent describes the fundamental three-step process for making millions of copies of a specific piece of DNA using short starter molecules and an enzyme, a technique known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

7,558 citations

Milestone
US 4733665· 1985· Expandable Grafts PartnershipPublic domain

How Doctors Implant a Permanent Stent Using a Balloon

This patent describes the method for placing a permanent, expandable wire mesh tube inside a blood vessel or other body tube using a balloon-tipped catheter to widen it and keep it open.

2,425 citations

Milestone
US 4683195· 1986· Cetus CorpPublic domain

How to Make Billions of Copies of a DNA Segment

This patent describes the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), a method to rapidly create many copies of a specific piece of DNA or RNA, enabling its detection and analysis.

6,231 citations

Milestone
US 4965188· 1987· Cetus Corp

How to Make Many Copies of a DNA Piece with Heat

This patent describes the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method, a technique to make millions of copies of a specific DNA segment using a heat-resistant enzyme and repeated temperature changes.

2,132 citations

US 5110802· 1987· City of Hope

Using Synthetic DNA Fragments to Block HIV Replication

A 1987 patent describing a specific synthetic DNA molecule designed to stop the HIV virus from replicating by blocking a key part of its genetic code.

26 citations

US 5075216· 1988· Cetus Corp

Using Heat-Resistant Enzymes to Read DNA Sequences Faster

This patent describes using a heat-stable enzyme from a bacterium that lives in hot springs to make the process of reading DNA code much more reliable and efficient.

146 citations

US 5002952· 1989· Green Cross Corp Japan

How to Make Hard-to-Absorb Medicines Easier for the Body to Use

A method for mixing specific chemical compounds with surfactants to help the body absorb them more effectively.

16 citations

US 5176995· 1989· Hoffmann La Roche Inc

Using PCR to Detect Viruses in Blood and Tissue Samples

A 1989 patent by Nobel laureate Kary Mullis and his team on using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to replicate and detect tiny amounts of viral DNA or RNA, such as HIV and Hepatitis B, directly from human clinical samples.

122 citations

1990s

Milestone
US 5210015· 1990· Hoffmann La Roche Inc

How an Enzyme Helps Find Specific DNA in a Sample

This patent describes a method for detecting a specific DNA sequence in a sample by using a labeled DNA probe and an enzyme that cuts the probe, releasing detectable fragments.

1,183 citations

Milestone
US 5273995· 1991· Warner Lambert Co LLC

How a Cholesterol-Lowering Drug Molecule Was Patented

This patent protects the specific chemical structure of a molecule designed to lower cholesterol, including its various salt forms and its use in medicine.

519 citations

US 5272135· 1991· Chiron Ophthalmics Inc

Preventing Protein Damage with Extra Methionine

This 1993 patent describes how adding extra methionine to protein-based medicines can prevent them from degrading, especially in liquid or semi-solid forms.

63 citations

US 6458360· 1991· Johns Hopkins University

How to Create Lab-Made Proteins That Stop Immune System Overreaction

A method for creating custom proteins that act as 'brakes' for the body's immune system to prevent damage from excessive inflammation.

27 citations

US 5397703· 1992· Cetus Oncology Corp

Using Insect Cells to Create Antibodies for Human Diseases

A method for creating disease-fighting antibodies by using insect cells to display human proteins, which are then injected into animals to trigger an immune response.

25 citations

Milestone
US 5455030· 1993· Enzon Labs IncPublic domain

How to Build Smaller, Synthetic Antibody-Like Molecules for Medicine

This patent describes a way to create small, single-chain proteins that mimic the binding power of full-sized antibodies to deliver medicine more effectively.

440 citations

US 5595721· 1993· Coulter Pharmaceutical Inc

Using Radioactive Antibodies to Treat B-Cell Lymphoma

A method for treating B-cell lymphoma by using radioactive antibodies to target cancer cells without destroying the patient's bone marrow.

232 citations

US 5639606· 1994· University of Rochester

How to Measure Gene Activity Using Competitive PCR Kits

A laboratory method and kit for accurately measuring how much a specific gene is being used by cells by comparing it against a known internal standard.

151 citations

Milestone
US 5521184· 1994· Ciba Geigy Corp

New Pyrimidine Chemical Compounds for Treating Tumors

This patent describes specific new chemical compounds, called N-phenyl-2-pyrimidine-amine derivatives, designed with precise molecular structures for potential use in treating cancer.

564 citations

US 5574018· 1994· Amgen Inc

Using Vitamin B12 to Help Proteins Survive the Human Digestive System

A method for attaching therapeutic proteins to Vitamin B12 so they can be absorbed through the gut instead of being injected.

46 citations

Milestone
US 6054297· 1995· Genentech Inc

How to Redesign Mouse Antibodies for Safe Use in Humans

Genentech's 1995 patent on a systematic method for humanizing rodent antibodies by grafting their disease-targeting loops onto a human consensus framework while carefully swapping key structural support residues to maintain binding strength.

1,161 citations

Milestone
US 5585089· 1995· Protein Design Labs Inc

How Scientists Create Human-Friendly Antibodies for Medicine

This patent describes a method for modifying mouse antibodies so human immune systems accept them as their own, allowing them to be used as powerful, long-lasting medical treatments.

4,274 citations

Milestone
US 6090382· 1996· BASF SE

Antibodies That Block Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFα)

This 2000 patent describes specific human antibodies designed to strongly bind and neutralize a protein called TNFα, which is linked to inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

361 citations

Milestone
US 6267958· 1996· Genentech Inc

Making High-Concentration Antibody Medicines Stable for Injection

Genentech's 2001 patent on a method to create stable, concentrated antibody medicines that can be easily reconstituted for injection, preventing degradation during freezing and storage.

878 citations

US 5876725· 1996· University of Saskatchewan

How Vaccines Protect Pigs from Respiratory Bacteria

A 1999 patent describing a vaccine for swine that uses specific bacterial proteins to trigger an immune response against the lung disease caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae.

3 citations

US 5891653· 1996· Individual

Using Stress Proteins to Help the Body Accept Organ Transplants

A method for preventing organ transplant rejection by using stress proteins to teach the immune system to tolerate donor tissue.

15 citations

Milestone
US 6884879· 1997· Genentech Inc

How Genentech Created Antibodies to Stop Tumor Growth

A 1997 patent describing a specific humanized antibody designed to block VEGF, a protein that helps tumors grow their own blood supply.

308 citations

US 6355623· 1999· Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint Justine

Personalized Dosing for Crohn's Disease Drugs Using Blood Tests

A method for adjusting doses of inflammatory bowel disease medication by measuring specific drug metabolites in a patient's red blood cells to maximize effectiveness while avoiding side effects.

75 citations

US 6630507· 1999· US Department of Health and Human ServicesPublic domain

Using Cannabinoids to Protect the Brain from Oxidative Stress

A government-owned patent describing how certain non-psychoactive cannabinoids can act as antioxidants to protect brain cells from damage caused by strokes, trauma, or diseases like Alzheimer's.

78 citations

US 6531124· 1999· Transkaryotic Therapies Inc

How to Use Modified Cells to Produce Insulin-Regulating Proteins in the Body

A method for taking a patient's own cells, modifying them with DNA to produce GLP-1, and putting them back into the body to treat metabolic conditions.

2 citations

Milestone
US 6682736· 1999· Abgenix Inc

How Human Antibodies Block the Immune System's Off-Switch

Abgenix's 1999 patent on fully human monoclonal antibodies that bind to CTLA-4, a protein brake on the immune system, allowing T-cells to stay active and attack cancer cells.

500 citations

2000s

US 6339142· 2000· Genentech Inc

How Genentech Purifies Therapeutic Antibodies for Cancer Treatment

A method for refining mixtures of anti-HER2 antibodies to ensure that harmful acidic variants remain below 25 percent of the total composition.

128 citations

US 6824780· 2000· Genentech Inc

How Genentech Created Antibodies to Target Prostate Cancer Cells

A patent describing specific antibodies that latch onto and kill cancer cells expressing the PSCA protein, effectively turning the body's immune-targeting tools into cancer-fighting weapons.

136 citations

US RE39497· 2001· Nektar Therapeutics

How to Store Fragile Biological Materials Without Refrigeration

A method for preserving unstable biological materials like proteins by trapping them in a solid, glass-like sugar or polymer matrix that prevents decay at room temperature.

11 citations

US 7740842· 2002· Novartis AG

How to Keep High-Concentration Antibody Medicines Stable in Liquid Form

Novartis's patent describes a specific liquid recipe for keeping high concentrations of E25 anti-IgE antibodies stable and usable for medical injections.

17 citations

US 8889135· 2002· AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd

How Dosing Humira for Rheumatoid Arthritis Works

This patent defines the specific 40mg biweekly injection schedule for the drug Humira to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

15 citations

US RE38800· 2002· Research Foundation of the State University of New York

How to Take 3D Pictures Inside Human Tissue Using Near-Infrared Light

A system that uses flexible fiber optic cables to map the inside of complex body parts by shining light through them and measuring how it scatters.

25 citations

US 7070775· 2002· Centocor Inc

How Engineered Antibodies Block Inflammation-Causing Proteins

A patent describing lab-made antibodies designed to hunt down and neutralize a specific protein called TNF-alpha that causes chronic inflammation in the body.

77 citations

US 9011851· 2002· Max Planck Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften eV

Using Antibodies to Block HER3 Proteins in Cancer Cells

A patent describing specific antibodies that bind to and block the HER3 protein, which is often used by cancer cells to grow and survive.

5 citations

US 7169901· 2002· Genentech Inc

How Genentech Engineered Antibodies to Starve Tumors of Blood

A 2007 Genentech patent describing specific lab-made antibodies that block a protein called VEGF, which tumors use to grow new blood vessels.

76 citations

US 7750134· 2002· Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute

Isolating Microbial Proteins That Regulate Cellular Protein Stability

This patent identifies specific genetic sequences from microbes that produce proteins capable of modifying SUMO, a key molecule that controls how other proteins behave inside cells.

6 citations

US 7807153· 2003· Genentech Inc

How Antibodies Can Force Cancer Cells to Self-Destruct

Genentech's patent on specific antibodies that bind to the Apo-2 receptor to trigger programmed cell death in cancer cells.

2 citations

US 8216583· 2003· Abbott Biotech Ltd Bermuda

How to Keep Humira Stable in a Liquid Medicine Bottle

A recipe for a stable, liquid version of the drug Humira that stays effective at high concentrations without spoiling or clumping.

58 citations

US 7297334· 2004· Genentech Inc

How Genentech's Antibodies Stop Tumor Blood Vessel Growth

A Genentech patent for specific lab-made antibodies that block a protein called VEGF, effectively starving tumors of the blood supply they need to grow.

54 citations

Milestone
US 7527791· 2005· Genentech Inc

How Engineered Antibodies Target TGF-beta Proteins to Fight Cancer

This patent describes specific engineered antibodies, made from mouse and human parts, designed to block TGF-beta proteins to help treat various cancers like breast or lung cancer.

756 citations

US RE50567· 2006· Novozymes North America Inc

How Enzymes Help Turn Corn Into Ethanol More Efficiently

A process for making ethanol from starch by using specific enzymes to break down proteins, which helps the fermentation process run more smoothly.

US 7387788· 2006· Antares Pharma IPL AG

A Gel That Helps Nicotine Absorb Through Your Skin

A specialized gel formula designed to help nicotine pass through the skin or mouth lining without crystallizing or rubbing off on clothes.

25 citations

Milestone
US 8278036· 2006· University of Pennsylvania Penn

How Modified RNA Tricks Cells Into Making Proteins Without Triggering Attacks

A breakthrough method for using modified RNA to deliver instructions to cells without causing the body to reject the treatment as a foreign invader.

322 citations

US 7528115· 2007· Anadys Pharmaceuticals Inc

Improving Drug Delivery with Chemical Masks for Thiazolo-Pyrimidine Compounds

A patent describing modified chemical structures that act as dormant precursors, designed to be activated by the body to help treat viral infections like Hepatitis C.

1 citation

US 9845355· 2008· Genentech Inc

How Genentech's Antibody Targets Cancerous B Cells

This patent describes a specific humanized antibody designed to bind to a protein called CD79b, which is found on the surface of certain cancer cells.

13 citations

US 7993644· 2008· Purdue Pharma LP

Using Antibodies to Target Tissue Factor Without Stopping Blood Clotting

A patent describing specific antibodies that attach to a protein called tissue factor without interfering with the body's natural blood-clotting process.

3 citations

US 8592397· 2008· Gilead Sciences Inc

How Gilead Made a Stable HIV Pill Combining Two Medicines

This patent describes a stable, single-pill combination of two HIV drugs, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine, designed to prevent them from breaking down when stored together.

19 citations

US RE46907· 2009· Johns Hopkins University

Using Plant-Derived Chemicals and Metabolic Drugs to Fight Cancer

A medical patent describing a combination therapy that pairs specific plant-derived compounds with metabolic drugs to kill cancer cells more effectively than either could alone.

1 citation

US 9605068· 2009· Antibody Lab GmbH

How to Detect Heart Disease in Cats Using Blood Tests

A diagnostic method that uses specific antibodies to measure a protein in cat blood, helping veterinarians identify heart disease.

7 citations

US 8372396· 2009· Genetech Inc

How Specific Antibody Drugs Are Stabilized for Storage and Use

Genentech's 2013 patent details a precise recipe for an antibody drug, like Pertuzumab, using a special buffer, sugar, and cleaning agent to keep it stable for patients.

35 citations

2010s

US 8062633· 2010· Universidad Austral de Chile

Using Bacteria to Kill Food-Poisoning Germs on Kitchen Surfaces

A natural cleaning solution using specific bacteria and a protein to stop the growth of dangerous Listeria bacteria on food processing equipment.

1 citation

US 8580275· 2010· University of Massachusetts Amherst

Using Yeast Cell Walls to Deliver Genetic Medicine

A method for using hollowed-out yeast cell walls as tiny transport containers to deliver genetic payloads like DNA or RNA into cells.

4 citations

US 8372398· 2010· Ablynx NV

How Specialized Nanobodies Block Blood Clotting Proteins

A patent describing specific, tiny antibody fragments designed to bind to and inhibit Von Willebrand Factor, a protein that triggers blood clotting.

9 citations

US RE47150· 2011· Bayer Healthcare LLC

How Bayer's Engineered Antibodies Help Blood Clotting

This patent describes specific engineered antibodies designed to block a protein that prevents blood clotting, potentially helping people with bleeding disorders.

US 8410274· 2012· Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc

Making Ivacaftor Easier for the Body to Absorb

A patent describing a specific way to turn a drug molecule into an amorphous solid to help the body absorb it more effectively.

50 citations

US 10138293· 2012· Hoffmann La Roche Inc

How Roche Engineers Antibodies to Target Two Different Diseases Simultaneously

A method for creating a custom-engineered antibody that can grab onto two different targets at once, designed to help the immune system fight complex diseases.

6 citations

US 8399514· 2012· Biogen Idec MA Inc

Using Dimethyl Fumarate to Treat Multiple Sclerosis

A patent detailing the specific daily dosage of 480mg of dimethyl fumarate for treating multiple sclerosis to protect nerve cells.

52 citations

US 8710041· 2012· Amarin Pharmaceuticals Ireland Ltd

Using Purified Fish Oil Derivatives to Lower Triglycerides Alongside Statins

A medical treatment method using a specific high-dose, purified EPA supplement to lower triglycerides in patients already taking statin medication.

13 citations

US 8957079· 2012· Pharmacyclics LLC

How Ibrutinib-like Molecules Block Cancer-Causing Proteins

A chemical design for molecules that permanently latch onto and disable a specific protein called Btk, which is often responsible for the growth of certain blood cancers.

33 citations

US RE45701· 2012· MED EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH

How Cochlear Implants Use Free-Spinning Magnets to Survive MRI Scans

A cochlear implant design that uses a freely rotating internal magnet to prevent the device from being pulled or damaged by the strong magnetic fields of an MRI machine.

24 citations

US RE49280· 2013· University of Texas System

A Custom-Built Protein to Block TGF-beta Signaling in Disease

A laboratory-engineered protein designed to soak up excess TGF-beta molecules, which could help treat conditions like cancer and fibrosis where these signals are overactive.

US 8822430· 2013· Gilead Pharmasset LLC

Chemical Compounds for Treating Hepatitis C Virus

A patent describing specific chemical structures designed to stop the Hepatitis C virus from replicating in humans.

11 citations

Milestone
US 8697359· 2013· Massachusetts Institute of Technology

How to Edit Genes in Human Cells Using an Engineered CRISPR System

This patent describes an engineered CRISPR-Cas9 system for precisely cutting DNA in eukaryotic cells to change how genes work, opening the door for gene editing in complex organisms.

1,268 citations

US 8735372· 2013· Gilead Pharmasset LLC

Treating Hepatitis C with Combination Drug Therapy

A Gilead Sciences patent detailing a method to treat Hepatitis C by combining a specific chemical compound with an NS5a inhibitor.

42 citations

US 9677869· 2013· Perimeter Medical Imaging Inc

How to Create Wide-Field Images of Tissue Using OCT Scanners

A method for stitching together multiple high-resolution medical images of uneven tissue samples to create a single, wide-field view for better diagnostic clarity.

9 citations

US 9216996· 2013· Gilead Sciences Inc

Gilead's Chemical Compounds for Treating HIV Infections

This patent covers specific chemical structures designed to block HIV from replicating in human cells, providing a foundation for new antiviral medications.

35 citations

US 9402913· 2014· Allergan Inc

Combining Cyclosporine A and Steroids into a Single Hybrid Drug

A chemical method for linking cyclosporine A and steroid molecules into a single hybrid drug designed to treat eye conditions by releasing both components upon contact.

1 citation

US 9266948· 2014· Genentech Inc

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.

US 9492534· 2014· Genelux Corp

Using Genetically Modified Viruses to Target and Treat Cancer

A method for creating a modified vaccinia virus that safely hunts down and kills tumor cells while leaving healthy tissue alone.

15 citations

US 10525078· 2014· Tomita Pharmaceutical Co Ltd

How to Make Stable Solid Dialysis Powder with Less Odor

A specialized solid powder mixture used to create dialysis fluid that stays stable, smells less like vinegar, and keeps acetate levels within a precise, safe range.

US 10626109· 2014· Bayer CropScience AG

New Chemical Compounds for Protecting Crops from Fungal Diseases

A patent describing a specific family of chemical compounds designed to kill or inhibit the growth of fungi that damage agricultural crops.

US 9744181· 2014· Gilead Sciences Inc

How Gilead Stabilized the HIV Combination Pill Truvada

A patent detailing a stable, fixed-dose combination of two HIV drugs, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine, designed to prevent chemical breakdown in a single tablet.

US 10357559· 2014· Emergent Product Development Gaithersburg Inc

How to Make Anthrax Vaccines That Survive Freezing

A method for protecting sensitive anthrax vaccines from damage during freezing and thawing by using specific sugars and additives during the drying process.

US 10106579· 2015· Ra Pharmaceuticals Inc

How Synthetic Peptides Block Immune System Overreaction

A patent describing specific synthetic peptides designed to stop the body's immune system from attacking healthy cells by blocking a protein called C5.

8 citations

US RE46290· 2015· Penn State Research Foundation

Using the Drug TIC10 to Treat Brain Cancer

A patent for using a specific small molecule drug called TIC10 to treat brain cancers like glioblastoma by triggering a natural cell-death process.

3 citations

US 9839649· 2015· Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc

How to Design Effective siRNA Molecules to Silence Specific Genes

A patent detailing the precise chemical structure and sequence requirements for siRNA molecules designed to effectively turn off the AAT gene in cells.

3 citations

US 20160166668· 2016· Curevac AG

How an mRNA Vaccine Targets Prostate Cancer with Six Antigens

This patent describes an mRNA vaccine designed to treat prostate cancer by delivering genetic instructions for a specific combination of six prostate-related proteins, teaching the body to fight the cancer.

84 citations

US 10113167· 2016· Universitaet Wien

How CRISPR-Cas9 Uses RNA to Edit DNA

This patent describes the fundamental mechanism of using a two-part RNA system to guide the Cas9 protein to specific locations in DNA for precise editing.

49 citations

US 10184000· 2016· Xencor Inc

How to Engineer Antibodies to Better Target and Destroy Disease

This patent describes a way to modify the tail end of an antibody so it binds more strongly to immune cells, helping the body fight off infections or cancer more effectively.

12 citations

US 10751416· 2016· Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois CHUV

Using Antibodies to Block IL-26 for Treating Inflammatory Diseases

A patent for specific antibodies that block the protein IL-26 to help treat inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and Crohn's disease.

1 citation

US 10155945· 2017· Nitto Denko Corp

How to Build Tiny Lipid Capsules to Deliver Genetic Medicines

A precise method for creating small, stable lipid bubbles that safely carry genetic material like siRNA into cells for medical treatment.

10 citations

US 10472419· 2017· Novartis AG

How Novartis Engineered Antibodies to Block the TIM-3 Immune Checkpoint

A patent describing specific genetic blueprints for antibodies designed to bind to and inhibit the TIM-3 protein, a key target in cancer and immune system research.

10 citations

US 10028963· 2017· Merck Sharp and Dohme LLC

How to Treat Severe Lung Infections Using Ceftolozane and Tazobactam

A medical treatment method for severe, hospital-acquired pneumonia using a specific, recurring intravenous dose of the antibiotic combination ceftolozane and tazobactam.

US 10456769· 2017· Bgi Shenzhen & Bgi Shenzhen Co Ltd

How to Sequence DNA from Tiny Samples Using Specialized Plates

A method for preparing DNA for genetic sequencing by splitting tiny samples into a 5184-well plate to ensure accurate data from very few cells.

1 citation

US 20180127759· 2017· Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Highly Efficient Bacterial Gene Editing Using Guide RNA and Reverse Transcriptase

This patent describes a system for precisely editing the DNA of bacterial cells with very high success rates, using a combination of guide RNA, reverse transcriptase, and specific DNA sequences.

30 citations

US 10400035· 2017· University of Helsinki

Using Antibodies to Protect Transplanted Organs from Damage

A medical method for preserving transplanted organs by using specific antibodies to block a protein that causes inflammation and blood vessel leakage.

US RE48183· 2018· Santen Pharmaceutical Co Ltd

How a Specific Eye Drop Formula Treats Glaucoma

A patent for a precise, low-concentration eye drop solution designed to lower eye pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

1 citation

US 20230187025· 2018· Genewiz Suzhou

How to Design High-Quality Gene Editing Tools for a Whole Genome

This patent describes a computer system and method for creating a comprehensive library of gene-editing guides (sgRNAs) by carefully designing and filtering them to be accurate and avoid unintended genetic changes.

1 citation

US 12365678· 2019· AstraZeneca AB

How to Manufacture a Complex Cancer-Fighting Drug Molecule

A detailed chemical recipe for mass-producing a specific cancer-fighting molecule, including the intermediate building blocks needed to construct it efficiently.

2020s

US 10702600· 2020· ModernaTx Inc

How Moderna's mRNA Vaccine Technology Targets Betacoronaviruses

A patent describing a specific mRNA vaccine design that uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver genetic instructions for building parts of a betacoronavirus to trigger an immune response.

46 citations

US 12222345· 2020· Bio Rad Laboratories Inc

How Automated Microscopes Use Tags to Focus on Biological Samples

A system for automatically focusing and imaging biological samples on a substrate by using special reference marks called tags to guide the microscope's lens.

US 12416013· 2021· Tianjin Genovo Biotechnology Co

Boosting Plant Gene Editing and Regeneration with Special Genes

This patent describes a method to make plant genetic engineering more efficient by adding specific genes that encourage plant cells to divide and grow, making it easier to create new plants with desired traits.

1 citation

US 12376789· 2022· Chosun University Industry Academic Cooperation Foundation

How Computers Use Brain Maps to Diagnose Alzheimer's Disease

A method for classifying stages of Alzheimer's disease by turning brain scan data into mathematical graphs and using machine learning to identify patterns.

US RE50301· 2022· Mapi Pharma Ltd

How to Make Long-Lasting Injections for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

A patent for a slow-release version of the MS drug glatiramer acetate, designed to be injected once every week to six months instead of daily.

US 12518214· 2023· Nant Holdings IP

Training AI on Private Data Without Seeing It

This patent describes a way to train artificial intelligence models using private data stored on many separate computers, by generating fake data that mimics the real data's patterns, so the private data itself never leaves its original location.

US 20230383290· 2023· Leland Stanford Junior University

How to Precisely Edit Genes Using Retron-Guide RNA Cassettes

This patent describes a method for highly efficient and precise genome editing using a retron-guide RNA cassette to deliver large pieces of donor DNA into a cell's genetic material.

US 20260080696· 2025· GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL PEOPLE'S HOSPITAL

AI System for Analyzing Medical Images Using Magnification-Aligned Transformers

This 2025 patent describes an AI system that analyzes medical images, like those from pathology slides, by using a special 'Transformer' model that understands how image details change with magnification.

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