According to the European Cancer Information System, 31% of men and 25% of women are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in the European Union before reaching the age of 75.
The latest study from the European Patent Office finds that inventions in the fight against cancer has surged by 70% between 2015 and 2021, as measured by the number of international patent families (IPFs). The report establishes that more than 140 000 inventions combatting cancer have been disclosed to the public in patent documents for over the last 50 years.
The study aims to provide decision-makers and innovators with insights into patenting of cancer technologies worldwide. It describes where and what the most recent advances have been.
The study’s key findings are:
👉 There has been a significant surge of 70% for inventions against cancer since 2015. Between 2015 and 2021, the annual count of international patent families (IPFs) rose by more than 70%, equivalent to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.34% and exceeded 13 000 IPFs in 2021.
👉 The US are a strong leader, accounting for nearly 50% of all IPFs from 2002 to 2021. The EU27 holds the second position with an 18% share, followed, at a distance, by Japan at 9%.
👉 Germany has maintained its position as a leading country of origin in cancer-related innovation, having led for over the past two decades, but UK, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands are catching up quickly.
👉 Universities and public research organisations (PROs) play an increasing role in cancer-related innovation. Between 2002 and 2021, they accounted for almost every third IPF in those technologies at the global level.
👉 Although top applicants have diverse geographical origins, patenting activities in cancer treatment are largely localised in the US.
👉 The list of the top 10 global corporate applicants over the period 2015-2021 includes six European and four US companies.
👉 New study shows inventions to fight cancer are up by more than 70% since 2015 | Epo.org
