- Home >
- Institut Curie News >
- Institut Curie, the leading institute devoted to fighting cancer in Europe for European patent applications
A recent study published by the European Patent Office ranks Institut Curie the 9th public research organization in France, responsible for European patent applications over the last twenty years. Institut Curie is now the leading institute dedicated to fighting cancer in Europe for European patent applications. This major recognition testifies to the excellence of the institute’s innovation and ambitious strategy to promote research.
Innovation at Institut Curie
- Portfolio of more than 1 100 active patents*
- Over 400 invention declarations since 2011
- More than 250 inventors
According to a study by the European Patent Office (EPO) published on October 22, Institut Curie is one of Europe's most innovative organizations. Institut Curie is one of the Top 10 public research organizations in France in terms of European patent applications filed between 2001 and 2020, ranking 9th overall.
With 392 European patent applications, Institut Curie is the leading patent applicant1 among institutes devoted to fighting cancer in France and Europe. “We are extremely proud of this distinction, which reflects Institut Curie's commitment to encouraging innovation among its researchers, doctors and caregivers, and highlights the inventiveness of their research and care work,” explains Dr Cécile Campagne, director of Institut Curie’s Technology Transfer Office and deputy director of Carnot Curie Cancer. “This study also highlights the influence of French research, with France topping the European rankings. It is a reminder of the fundamental role played by our public research organizations and hospitals, the driving forces behind scientific progress in the public interest.”
Optimal support to make inventions a reality
At Institut Curie, inventors are advised and guided by experts from the Intellectual Property (IP) division of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), who are accredited agents for the European Patent Office.2 “Thanks to personalized strategic support, Institut Curie's researchers, doctors and caregivers are in the best possible conditions to protect their inventions and their application in society”, explains Dr Amine Naimi, head of Institut Curie's TTO IP division, and French and European patent attorney.
With a portfolio of over 1 100 active patents3 around the world, more than 400 invention declarations since 2011 and a community of over 250 inventors, Institut Curie is the embodiment of excellence in patient-oriented research. “These figures reflect our determination to accelerate the innovation process and create value”, adds Dr Naimi.
While Institut Curie's intellectual property policy is particularly fruitful, based as it is on robust, innovative scientific results, it is above all effective. It enables protected inventions to leave the walls of Institut Curie to be developed by players in the business world, so that they can ultimately benefit patients.
Success story: a molecule from Institut Curie soon to become a clinical reality
Obefazimod, a molecule discovered at Institut Curie, is the fruit of a joint patent filed by the Institut, the University of Montpellier and the CNRS. It reached a major milestone last July, demonstrating very positive results in phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
These remarkable results enabled the company to raise $747.5 million, accelerating the clinical development of this therapeutic innovation.
The result of screening at Institut Curie's Chemical Library led by Dr Florence Mahuteau-Betzer, CNRS director of research, in 2009 this molecule led to the creation of Abivax, a company specializing in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.
“This success underlines the need to develop more synergies between academic research and the private sector, to transform research more quickly and efficiently into concrete advances for patients.” concludes Dr. Amine Naimi.
[1] The ranking is based on the number of European patent applications filed by public research organizations and hospitals.
[2] European Patent Attorneys are specialists authorized to represent inventors and companies before the European Patent Office. This certification is recognized as one of the world's most demanding in the legal and technical fields.
[3] * 1 100 active patents worldwide. 392 European patent applications filed between 2001 and 2020.
