Three patents of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, have potential applications in medicine
Enhanced visualization of tumor margins for more precise surgical removal, a polymer-based probe that simplifies cell testing, and a specialized polymer, SophoMer™ F10, which improves the sensitivity of immunodiagnostic assays — these are three top-tier research outcomes from the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences that have been granted patents in the past six months. The patents not only protect these innovations but also significantly increase their potential for commercialization. SophoMer™ F10 has already entered the commercial phase, and the team behind it has been awarded the Neuron Prize.
Obtaining a patent is a demanding process, but also confirmation that the research outcome is truly innovative and has real potential for industrial application. Patents protect the results of scientific research and development from unauthorized use, increase their attractiveness for industrial partners, and open the door to commercialization.
The Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS has recently succeeded in obtaining three such patents. These newly granted patents stem from the work of the Biomedical Polymers Department led by Tomáš Etrych.
Faster and simpler functional tests on human cells using a polymer probe
Patent EP4013834
During the course of treatment (for example, in oncology), it is essential to continuously evaluate the patient's response to therapy and to adapt treatment accordingly. One of the key sources of data for such assessment is flow cytometry. This method enables identification of various types of cells in blood, plasma, or serum samples – such as T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, or tumor cells – and determines their status. Each cell type is identified based on specific surface markers that are recognized by antibodies tagged with fluorescent labels.
The polymer probe, developed in collaboration with the Second Faculty of Medicine of Charles University and the company I.T.A.-Intertact s.r.o., enables multi-parameter cell analysis in a single step – more efficiently and simply than traditional methods. While standard procedures require the use of multiple individual antibodies with different fluorescent tags, this technology integrates everything into one pre-prepared polymer probe with a precisely defined fluorescent "barcoding." This allows for faster and easier execution of functional tests on human cells, such as evaluating the effects of targeted inhibitors.
The patent covers polymer conjugates with specific antibodies, each of which possesses a unique "fingerprint" – that is, a distinct spectral characteristic. The technology is currently being further developed with an industrial partner, and testing is underway in Czech laboratories.
A polymer probe that lights up tumors
Patent PV 2021-423
"Imagine you're a surgeon tasked with removing a tumor located near a vital organ. Your goal is to remove all the cancerous tissue while preserving everything essential to the patient's quality of life," explains Tomáš Etrych. Together with his team, he developed a polymer probe carrying a fluorescent label that literally illuminates tumor margins, significantly aiding surgeons and improving the course of treatment.
Additionally, the probe can be equipped with molecules that selectively bind to tumor tissue receptors, actively guiding it to the target site. Specific mechanisms can also activate the fluorescent signal only once the target is reached, further improving tumor margin precision. This targeted fluorescent polymer has potential use not only for visualizing tumors but also for identifying inflammatory tissue.
The polymer is currently being tested in collaboration with the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, as well as other clinical institutions. The patent covers the structure of the polymer probe, its properties, and its intended applications. At present, the search for a commercial partner capable of bringing the technology to clinical practice is underway.
SophoMer F10 for improved immunodiagnostic testing
Patent PV2022-167
Animal-derived proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA) are commonly used in immunodiagnostic tests. However, their presence brings several limitations – including batch-to-batch variability, the risk of pathogen transmission, and non-compliance with standards for Animal Component Free materials (i.e. products free from animal-derived components).
The newly granted patent relates to a synthetic polymer that fully replaces such animal components. It offers not only greater stability and reproducibility of immunodiagnostic tests but also compliance with stringent safety and quality standards. The patented polymer, SophoMer™ F10, is used as a standard component in in vitro diagnostic kits designed for reliable detection of specific molecules in biological samples.
The technology entered the commercial phase even before the patent was granted. It led to the founding of the start-up Sophomer s.r.o., which is developing diagnostic kits for laboratory use in cooperation with industrial partners. The successful transfer of basic research into applied practice was recognized by the Neuron Prize 2024 for excellence in science-to-business collaboration.
Most innovative solutions suitable for patent protection are the result of close collaboration with experts from both domestic and international institutions. In some cases (such as the successful Sophomer start-up), industry partners become involved even during the development phase. "The key to successful knowledge transfer lies in engaging not only scientists, but also colleagues from industry and clinical practice. This is something we strive for, and this close cooperation is clearly bearing fruit. At the same time, my team and I are pleased that our scientific results are leading to real innovations in medicine and diagnostics. We believe that these advances can help physicians and healthcare professionals in treating patients," says Tomáš Etrych.
Patents and commercialization
Commercialization represents the symbolic pinnacle of the patenting process — the point at which a scientific discovery becomes a product or technology with real-world impact and tangible benefits for society. From this perspective, the number of patents held by an institution is less important than how many of them have actually been brought into practice.
When a patented invention is ready for application, the patent owner enters into a licensing agreement with an industrial partner, granting them the right to use the invention commercially. At the same time, the patent holder must be both capable and prepared to enforce their rights and seek compensation in cases of infringement.
