USPTO to test faster review of immuno-oncology patents

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is launching the Cancer Immunotherapy Pilot Program to provide expedited reviews of patent applications related to cancer immunotherapy. The program, which begins Wednesday, is part of the White House's Cancer Moonshot Initiative (see BioCentury Extra, Jan. 28).

The program will prioritize eligible applications from applicants who request special status. Once an application is granted special status, the agency expects to complete its review within 12 months. ...