Patents validate a path for bringing Wyss technologies out of the lab
At the Wyss, we believe breakthrough discoveries can’t change the world if they don’t leave the lab. Along this (sometimes) long and winding path, from the inventors’ initial idea to a product that is available and useful, a significant milestone is when patents are granted. The issuance of patent protection by the USPTO, and other authorities worldwide, validates that our researchers have demonstrated innovations that are truly the first of their kind. This recognition also creates some valuable and legally protected rights. Patent rights attract industry and investors, which further encourages our innovative research teams to continue to develop technologies that will have a positive impact in the world.
April 26 was designated as World Intellectual Property (IP) Day by the United Nations’ World Intellectual Property Organization in 2000 to celebrate ingenuity.
At Harvard, the Office of Technology Development advocates for researchers’ intellectual property at the patent offices, so that our inventors receive protection, recognition, and fair value for their innovations. In 2021, Wyss Institute researchers were named inventors on 48 patents issued worldwide, with many more pending. If you are interested in learning more about the Wyss patent portfolio, please contact our Business Development Team.
Here are some examples of Wyss technologies that have been granted patents—perhaps you’ll recognize some of them:
1/9 Wyss researchers developed a lightweight, wearable robotic exosuit that improves the user’s mobility, gait quality, and endurance. Harvard protected this intellectual property with a portfolio of patents. In 2016, ReWalk Robotics licensed the technology and started a collaboration with the Wyss to accelerate the development of this technology for people with lower limb disabilities. In 2019, ReWalk received FDA Clearance for its use in the treatment of stroke survivors with mobility challenges. 
2/9 Wyss researchers developed and patented a multi-material 3D-printing method that generates thick vascularized tissues comprising of living human cells that can sustain their architecture and function for upwards of six weeks. This approach could be modified to create vascularized 3D tissues for regenerative medicine or drug testing endeavors. 
3/9 The implantable, biodegradable cancer vaccine developed at and patented by the Wyss Institute utilizes immunotherapeutic methods to kill cancer cells. After completing a Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with melanoma, in collaboration with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the technology was licensed to Novartis. 
4/9 Wyss researchers developed and patented a high-throughput and highly multiplexed imaging method for visualizing different molecular species in biological samples without an expensive, large, super-resolution microscope. 
5/9 Multimaterial multinozzle 3D printing (MM3D) is a new technique created and patented by researchers at the Wyss Institute. The unique system of high-speed pressure valves enables fast, continuous, and seamless switching between up to eight different printing materials up to 50 times per second. There are numerous potential applications including 3D printed electronics and sensors. 
6/9 Wyss researchers developed and patented insoles that deliver vibrations too gentle to be felt to improve balance and athletic performance. They utilize a mechanism known as “stochastic resonance.” This technology has been licensed. 
7/9 A soft robotic glove for neuromuscular rehabilitation was developed and patented by Wyss researchers. This technology can provide repetitive stretching and exercise to restore lost hand function to those with neurological conditions, and it can assist with grasping. The soft robotic glove has been licensed to Imago Rehab. 
8/9 Human Organs-on-Chips are microfluidic devices lined with human cells that were developed and patented by Wyss researchers. They have applications in drug development, disease modeling, and personalized medicine. Wyss startup Emulate, Inc. has licensed this technology, though the Institute is still using it to develop specific disease models and exploring its potential for more applications. 
9/9 Wyss researchers developed and patented stretchable strain sensors and the method of 3D-printing them, embedded 3D-printing. Applications include wearable soft robotics and artificial skins for humanoid robots.