On January 31, 2017 Morphogenesis, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the development of cell and gene therapies for the treatment of cancer, reported that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued US Patent 9,555,088 covering methods f or treating cancer using gene therapy (Press release, Morphogenesis, JAN 31, 2017, View Source [SID1234517642]).This proprietary technology is applicable to multiple cancer types and uses a single gene in the form of a small DNA known as a plasmid. Plasmid DNA is considered extremely safe because no live bacteria or viruses are needed for delivery. Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! The issued patent is an important component of Morphogenesis’ exclusive intellectual property portfolio that includes more than 25 issued patents and patent applications. The DNA patent was awarded under the Cancer Immunotherapy Pilot program, also known as Patents 4 Patients. This program supports the National Cancer Moonshot initiative brought to the forefront by former Vice President Biden and includes fast – track review for cancer immunotherapy – related patent applications without the extra petition fees. From filing to issuance, the patent process took months instead of years.
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Morphogenesis’ DNA vaccine has a unique mode of action and is being developed as a direct intratumoral injection. Direct injection is convenient, pain – free, an d well – suited for accessible tumors like melanoma. Moreover, the DNA vaccine is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, has a long shelf – life and can be used to treat many different types of cancer.
"This patent is an important component of Morphogenesis’ formidable intellectual property portfolio covering its cancer vaccine technology and provides the Company with 18 year’s protection as it goes into human clinical trials," said Patricia Lawman, PhD, CEO of Morphogenesis. "The current trend in expedited patent and regulatory review will be extremely beneficial for terminally ill cancer patients and will allow companies to produce products with long – term market exclusivity."