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Recent patents on cell signaling systems.
Minna Allarakhia1, Anthony Wensley
1University of Waterloo, Department of Management Sciences, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada. minna@alum.mit.edu
Recent Patents on Biotechnology
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Systems Biology leverages complex biological networks for new product development. This study analyzes patents for seven key signaling pathways to ensure knowledge accessibility for researchers.
Area of Science:
- Systems Biology
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- The Human Genome Project catalyzed the emergence of Systems Biology.
- Biological information is processed through complex, hierarchical networks.
- Accessible systems-based knowledge is crucial for developing medical products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze patent landscapes for significant biological systems.
- To assess the accessibility of systems-based knowledge for researchers.
- To identify trends in patenting upstream knowledge versus downstream applications.
Main Methods:
- Selection of seven biologically significant signaling pathways: Akt, BCR-ABL, GPCR, JAK/STAT, MAP Kinase, NF-kappaB, and Phospholipase C.
- Comprehensive patent listing, including categorization and ownership.
- Patent review focusing on assignee type, claim breadth, and focus (upstream vs. downstream).
Main Results:
- Detailed patent information provided for each selected signaling pathway.
- Analysis of patent focus reveals trends in research and development.
- Categorization and ownership data offer insights into intellectual property.
Conclusions:
- Systems Biology represents a dominant paradigm shift in biological research.
- Patent analysis is essential for understanding knowledge accessibility and innovation.
- This work provides a foundation for navigating the intellectual property landscape in Systems Biology.
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02:03What is Cell Signaling?
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