European life sciences industry associations have voiced concerns over the latest addition to the European Patent Offices ambitious Early Certainty Initiative. While cutting the time for determining patentability to six months from filing, and streamlining the duration of the opposition procedure from 26 down to 15 months have been widely applauded, they warn that plans for a one-size-fits-all plan that limits examination time to 12 months will harm the life sciences sector.
Industry criticises EPO plans
BackgroundEarly Certainty Initiative: Disincentive to patenting
OpinionThe decision of the European Patent Office to examine all patent applications within 12 months can unintentionally block companies from filing for life sciences patents in Europe, says Gavin Recchia, Principal of one of Australias largest patent attorneys firms.
Selvita to cash in €90m in Menarini deal
Latest NewsPolish drug developer Selvita has out-licenced its first lead compound to Berlin-Chemie Menarini, a company of the Menarini Group. Ongoing clinical trails with SEL 24 will be conducted the company listed on Warsaw Stock Exchange and taken over later this year by Menarini.
EU nations go on blocking GM crops
Latest NewsThe EUs opt-out clause for GM cultivation has missed its goal to accelerate EU market approval of safety-assessed genetically modified crops whilst giving member states the option to opt out from cultivation for political reasons.
EMA backs three orphan drugs
Latest NewsThree of six new meds to be approved in Europe are orphan drugs and have been backed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) this month.
FDA approves Mercks avelumab in MCC
Latest NewsGood news for EMD Serono, the US arm of German Merck: Its PD-L1 blocker avelumab is the first drug that received FDA approval to treat the rare skin cancer Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC).
Microfluidics: Mapping DNA-binders
BackgroundScientists at EPFL in Lausanne have developed a semi-automated technology that may be a game-changer by making the characterisation of the 2,000 DNA-binding proteins much faster, more accurate, and efficient.
BIO-Europe Spring: Southern growth ambitions
Latest NewsWith around 2,500 attendees, Barcelona hosted the most successful BIO Europe Spring conference in the history of the EBDs partnering event. Southern Europe demonstrated its growth ambitions in the life sciences.
Dentons: All about taxes
AppointmentsToxoplasmosis: novel target to prevent transmission
Latest NewsScottish and Canadian researchers have identified a protein essential for the toxoplasmosis parasite to be transmitted. Targeting it might give rise to new treatments other parasitic diseases like malaria.