The landscape for induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC or iPS cell) patents has changed substantially over the past 10 years, evolving to be geographically clustered in four specific regions.

As background, groundbreaking experimentation led to the discovery of iPSCs in 2006, which are adult cells that are transformed into embryonic-like stem cells through the manipulation of gene expression or other related methods.  In 2007, follow-up experiments proved human adult cells could be transformed into iPSC cells.

Since the discovery of iPSCs, a large and thriving research product market has grown into existence, largely because the cells are completely non-controversial and can be generated directly from adult cells.

Role of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) Patent Analysis

Today, the number of iPSC products sold worldwide is increasing with double-digit growth, and 22% of all stem cell researchers self-report having used iPSCs within a research project. It is clear that iPSCs represent a lucrative product market, but  commercializing the cell type involves careful and due diligence, because the cells are still a relatively new discovery.

Because the iPSC industry is a rapidly-evolving area, major research findings and technical discoveries are frequently announced . Therefore, to launch iPSC products and technologies, one of the key areas that company management and investors must consider is the patent landscape for the cell type. [Read more…]