Sequencing

& Bioanalytics

Genetic sequencing technology has been revolutionised over the last two decades, firstly with the development of ‘next generation sequencing’ and then with third generation sequencing. The former recombines genomic fragments that are sequenced in parallel and the latter has allowed read-lengths to increase while reducing the size of the sequencing machines.

These technologies have made whole genome or exome sequencing fast and relatively inexpensive (currently in the order of $1000 for a whole human genome). This opens vast opportunities in the field of healthcare and beyond, making personalised medicine therapies possible.

Mewburn Ellis has supported the industry throughout each phase of its development. We have helped our clients to protect modified polymerases with improved accuracy and nanopore based single molecule sequencing methods, to name but two examples.

We also have considerable experience of providing IP protection for core platforms in other bioanalytic techniques, as well as their innovative applications in research, agriculture and medicine. This includes drafting, portfolio building and contentious work for the leading companies in the development of nucleic acid amplification, microarray technologies, and microfluidic "lab-on-a-chip" devices. Many of our experienced patent attorneys have laboratory experience in this area and are supported by talented new recruits with up-to-date practical expertise.

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Patent Landscape in Bioinformatics and Digital Health: a data-driven analysis

Special Report

The words "digital health", "data driven" and "AI" have been on everyone's lips and in many headlines in the healthcare and life sciences sectors over the last couple of years. However, navigating this rapidly changing landscape can be challenging for those in charge of managing the IP associated with the innovations underpinning these changes.  

In this Special Report, we set out to collect data on the patent landscape in the fields of bioinformatics and digital health, to see whether the growth we and our clients see in the field is reflected in the data and whether insights can be gained from the data that will assist in designing better, more informed IP strategies.

 

Read our blogs

Singapore's Synthetic Biology Moment: Building a Global Translation Hub

Singapore's Synthetic Biology Moment: Building a Global Translation Hub

by Thomas Driver

Synthetic biology has become one of the most exciting technology sectors of the past decade. Advances in gene editing, enzyme engineering, AI-guided protein design and industrial biomanufacturing are ...

Cell-free systems and the next wave of biomanufacturing IP

Cell-free systems and the next wave of biomanufacturing IP

by Kate Fitzpatrick

Biomanufacturing is undergoing a structural shift. For decades, engineered cells have been the dominant production platforms, but a new paradigm is emerging: cell free systems.

Dr Tim Lu: “We can programme computers. Why can't we do that in biology?”

Dr Tim Lu: “We can programme computers. Why can't we do that in biology?”

by Richard Clegg

Dr Tim Lu is a pioneer in synthetic biology. He and his team are editing immune cells to upgrade the way they detect disease. His method introduces computer logic gate thinking, where cells ...

The Microbiome in Metabolic Health: more than a gut feeling?

The Microbiome in Metabolic Health: more than a gut feeling?

by Annabel Cardno

Metabolic health has traditionally been viewed through the lens of the host: diet, exercise, genetics, hormones and, more recently, pharmacological intervention. However, over the last decade, it has ...

Innovative Diagnostics: Can New Testing Transform Endometriosis Care?

Innovative Diagnostics: Can New Testing Transform Endometriosis Care?

by Frances Salisbury

The BBC covered an encouraging development this week in the diagnosis of endometriosis, a condition that is still all too often characterised by delay, uncertainty, and a reliance on invasive ...

Beyond PROTACs and molecular glues: where next for heterobifunctional drug discovery?

Beyond PROTACs and molecular glues: where next for heterobifunctional drug discovery?

by Annabel Cardno

A broader heterobifunctional tool emerges Targeted protein degradation has rapidly progressed from a conceptual curiosity to one of the most closely watched areas in drug discovery. As discussed in ...

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