In an effort to help accelerate the progress of cancer research, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office announced today an initiative entitled “Patents 4 Patients,” which will provide “fast-track” examination of patent applications directed to cancer therapy. The initiative (also referred to as the “Cancer Immunotherapy Pilot Program”) is free and available to any applicant, including early stage bio-tech companies, universities, and large pharmaceutical firms, as well as entities that may have products already in FDA approved clinical trials. These entities will be able to opt-in to the program, even if they have already filed their patent application. 

In an effort to help accelerate the progress of cancer research, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office announced today an initiative entitled “Patents 4 Patients,” which will provide “fast-track” examination of patent applications directed to cancer therapy. The initiative (also referred to as the “Cancer Immunotherapy Pilot Program”) is free and available to any applicant, including early stage bio-tech companies, universities, and large pharmaceutical firms, as well as entities that may have products already in FDA approved clinical trials. These entities will be able to opt-in to the program, even if they have already filed their patent application.

To be eligible, the application must contain at least one claim directed to a method of treating a cancer using immunotherapy. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office aims to complete examination of any applications accepted into the program within 1 year of being granted special status. For additional information, including additional eligibility requirements, please see the Official Notice here: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/06/29/2016-15533/cancer-immunotherapy-pilot-program