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Patent data provides valuable information for cancer research
On the occasion of World Cancer Day on 4 February, the European Patent Office (EPO) published its second comprehensive study on trends in cancer research. IPI patent experts Jens Lutz and Christel Aebischer-Gumy contributed to the study. In this interview, they talk about the latest discoveries and how valuable patent data is for the study.
What surprised you most about the study results?
Jens Lutz: This year’s study focused on the activities of universities and start-ups. Switzerland performed very well in terms of international patent applications per capita. It has a disproportionately active start-up community that stands out in comparison with other European countries. While Germany remains at the front of the pack, it has lost its lead slightly.
What does patent data tell us about cancer research?
Jens Lutz: The emerging therapeutic fields that offer alternatives to traditional radiotherapy or chemotherapy are particularly exciting. The analysis shows that many inventions focus on biological and targeted approaches. The aim is to modify molecules from the patient’s own body in such a way that they specifically combat cancer cells. This method is precise and has fewer side effects, whereas chemotherapy has a broader effect and often causes severe side effects. In addition, the specific characteristics of the individual patient’s cancer are increasingly being defined, which makes more targeted therapies possible.
How is the data for the study obtained?
Christel Aebischer-Gumy: The information in patent specifications is very transparent and accessible to all. This is based on a social contract. The applicant receives patent protection for up to 20 years, which means that no one else is allowed to use the technology. In return, the applicant must disclose in the patent specification how the patent works.
Jens Lutz: Without this temporary protection, many companies would keep their innovations secret, and society would be unable to benefit from this data. As patents are registered worldwide according to largely uniform standards, the information is structured and allows for statistical analyses, such as those of the EPO cancer study.
How useful is patent data for cancer research?
Jens Lutz: Patent specifications contain more technical details than scientific publications. The description must be so precise that the core of a therapy is understandable, including the problem and the solution.
Christel Aebischer-Gumy: The study shows that patent data is a valuable indicator of technological trends. Companies can determine where it makes sense to invest, and researchers gain an insight into new methods. This also raises strategic questions. Should you do your own research or buy a licence for an existing patent?
Jens Lutz: When searching through patent data, you should bear in mind that although patent specifications are comprehensible, they are also complex and specific. In-depth expertise is required to make optimum use of the information. Patent specifications are particularly valuable for researchers.
Further information
- Full study
- EPO’s Observatory on Patents and Technology
- Search the EPO’s Deep Tech Finder for oncology startups and their investors
- Technologies combatting cancer platform
- Spotlight on cancer innovators
