Healthcare & Life Sciences

DIFFRACTIVE INTRAOCULAR LENSES FOR EXTENDED RANGE OF VISION

The European Patent Office publishes Patent EP3595584A1, granted to AMO Groningen B.V., covering diffractive intraocular lenses designed for extended vision range. The invention is classified under A61F 2/16, A61F 2/14, and G02C 7/04. The patent is designated across EU member states and EPO contracting states including AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, and TR.

Bidirectional Prosthetic Finger with MCP Pivot (EP3785675A2)

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3785675A2, filed by RCM Enterprise, LLC, for a bidirectional prosthetic finger configured for abduction and adduction with MCP pivot. The A2 publication includes the search report and covers the mechanical design of the prosthetic device. The application designates 37 European states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and other EU member states.

Musculoskeletal Injury Evaluation Patent - Sym Healthcare - EP4646998A1

The European Patent Office published patent EP4646998A1, granted to Sym Healthcare Inc., covering a method for evaluating musculoskeletal injuries through 3D dynamic joint range of motion testing and static posture testing for postural abnormalities. The patent was published on April 8, 2026, and provides exclusive rights to the disclosed method.

Server Method Cognitive Therapy for Children With Disabilities

The European Patent Office published application EP2024210274A1 on April 8, 2026, covering a server-based cognitive and social therapy system for children with developmental disabilities. The invention uses emotion recognition, gesture analysis, and speech processing to monitor and deliver therapeutic interventions via a mobile application.

Evaluation Method and Device for Comparing Anti-Anxiety Medicine Effects, EP2024168475A1

The European Patent Office published patent application EP2024168475A1 covering an evaluation method and device for comparing anti-anxiety medicine effects with efficiency. The patent is classified under G16H 50/70 (healthcare informatics for diagnosis) and designates all EPO contracting states including AT, BE, CH, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, IT, NL, NO, PL, PT, SE, and others. The invention provides a systematic method for pharmaceutical researchers to assess and compare the efficacy of different anxiety treatments.

EP4642325A1 - Implantable Medical Device With Code Path Metrics

The European Patent Office granted Patent EP4642325A1 to Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. on April 8, 2026. The patent covers an implantable medical device system with code path metrics for neuromodulation applications. The invention relates to the technical fields of medical device monitoring and therapeutic stimulation systems.

European Patent Surgical Hub Spatial Awareness

The European Patent Office published patent EP3506292A1 for Ethicon LLC, titled 'Spatial Awareness of Surgical Hubs in Operating Rooms.' The patent, granted April 8, 2026, covers spatial tracking and awareness technologies for surgical hub systems used in medical procedures. The invention is classified under G16H 20/40 and G16H 40/63, relating to health informatics and computer-assisted surgery. The patent designates all major European states including DE, FR, GB, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, and others.

IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE (IMD) WITH CODE PATH METRICS

The European Patent Office granted European Patent Application EP4642527A1 to Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. for an implantable medical device with code path metrics. The invention relates to neuromodulation technology that tracks and analyzes software code execution paths within an implanted device. The patent is valid across 44 designated European contracting states.

Nestlé Patent EP3549139A1 for Personalized Nutritional Health Scoring System

The European Patent Office granted Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. Patent EP3549139A1 covering a system and methods for calculating, displaying, modifying, and using improved personalized nutritional health scores to assess and plan optimal diets. The patent application was published on April 8, 2026, with inventor Fabio Mainardi listed. Designated states include AT, BE, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, and HU among other European countries. The patent is classified under G16H 50/30 and G16H 20/60 (Health Informatics).

EP4642324A1 Implantable Medical Device with Code Path Metrics

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4642324A1 for Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. The invention covers an implantable medical device (IMD) configured to collect and transmit code path metrics data. The application claims priority to multiple IPC classifications including A61N 1/36 (neural stimulation), A61N 1/372 (implantable device control), and G16H 40/40 (health informatics). The patent is designated across 34 European states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and other EU member states.

EP3616212A1 - Click Therapeutics AI Digital Health Patent

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3616212A1 for Click Therapeutics, Inc., covering systems, methods, and apparatuses for managing data in artificial intelligence software and mobile applications for digital health therapeutics. The invention is classified under IPC G16H (Health Informatics) with designations across 31 European states. This patent grant establishes intellectual property rights for AI-driven digital therapeutic technology in European markets.

Implantable Medical Device Code Path Metrics - EP4642528A1

The EPO published patent application EP4642528A1 for an implantable medical device system that captures code path metrics during device operation, filed by Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. The application covers neuromodulation devices utilizing machine learning to analyze device performance data. The designated states include all EU member states plus extended countries.

Two Men Charged for Running Fentanyl Lab in Residential Building

DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam announced criminal charges against two individuals for narcotics and firearms offenses related to operating an illegal fentanyl manufacturing operation in a residential building. The case involves coordination with the Department of Justice, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney's Office.

Anti-HER3 Antibody Drug Conjugate Patent by Beijing Sinotau Bio-Pharma

EPO published patent application EP4355787A1 for Anti-HER3 antibody drug conjugate compositions and methods by Beijing Sinotau Bio-Pharmaceuticals Technology Co., Ltd. The patent covers ADC technology targeting HER3 for cancer treatment with designated states spanning major European jurisdictions. Inventors include Zhong Xiaoyan, Li Zhe, and Zhu Jie.

Helix Biopharma Corp. Antibody-Urease Conjugates for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Use

The European Patent Office granted Patent EP2984170A1 to Helix Biopharma Corp. for antibody-urease conjugates for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The patent, with inventor Chao Heman, covers compositions classified under A61K 47/68, A61P 35/00, C07K 16/32, C12N 9/80, and C12N 9/96. The designated states include all EU member states and extension countries.

Plants Comprising Wheat G-Type Cytoplasmic Male Sterility Restorer Genes, Molecular Markers and Uses Thereof

The European Patent Office granted BASF SE Patent EP3429334A1 covering wheat plants comprising G-type cytoplasmic male sterility restorer genes and associated molecular markers. The patent is classified under IPC codes A01H, C12N, and C07K, covering biotechnology applications for plant genetics. The designation includes 31 states across the EU and beyond.

Microbial Consortia Patent EP3262151A1, Amvac Chemical Corporation

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3262151A1 titled 'Microbial Consortia' filed by Amvac Chemical Corporation. The patent relates to compositions and methods involving microbial consortia, classified under IPC C12N (microorganisms, fungi, algae), C05F (fertilizers), and A01N (biocides). The patent application designates all EU member states.

Modified Adeno-Associated Virus Capsid Patent EP4389880A1

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4389880A1 for Joint Stock Company Biocad, covering methods of obtaining modified adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids. The patent is classified under IPC codes C12N 7/00, C12N 15/86, C07K 14/005, and others related to viral vectors and genetic engineering. The patent designates all relevant European contracting states including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Microbial Consortia Patent Application EP3262152A1

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3262152A1 for Amvac Chemical Corporation, covering microbial consortia compositions and their applications in agriculture and chemical processing. The patent application includes claims for biological preparations, organic fertilizers, and related compositions. The designated states cover most European countries including DE, FR, GB, ES, IT, NL, and others.

Use of Cellulase to Improve Viscosity Control of Dissolving Pulp

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3365493A1 by Novozymes A/S for the use of cellulase enzymes to improve viscosity control of dissolving pulp. The patent covers methods of treating pulp with cellulase to achieve desired viscosity characteristics in paper manufacturing processes. The application was published April 8, 2026.

City of Hope Patents Phosphorothioated Oligodeoxynucleotide Compounds and Compositions

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3316894A1 for City of Hope covering phosphorothioated oligodeoxynucleotide compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic use. The application classifies under IPC codes C12N 15/113 and A61K 31/713 relating to oligonucleotides and nucleic acid preparations. The publication establishes a priority date and makes the application available for opposition.

DNA Editing Using Single-Stranded DNA - EP3303585A1 Patent Grant

The European Patent Office published patent grant EP3303585A1 for DNA editing using single-stranded DNA. The patent names Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska and Tokai University Educational System as applicants. The invention covers biotechnology methods for DNA editing with applications in genetic research and development.

BASF SE Patents Wheat G-Type Cytoplasmic Male Sterility Restorer Genes

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3429335A1 on April 8, 2026, granting BASF SE exclusive rights to wheat G-type cytoplasmic male sterility restorer genes, molecular markers, and related uses. The patent covers biotechnology applications in plant breeding under IPC classifications C12Q, C07K, C12N, and A01H across all designated EPO member states.

Merthyr Tydfil Children's Services Consultation, Deadline 13 May

Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) will conduct an assurance check of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Children's Services in May 2026, reviewing the local authority's performance of Social Services duties under relevant legislation. CIW is seeking public feedback from service users by 13 May 2026 via online surveys, and findings will be published on the CIW website.

Three Victorians Arrested, $2M Steroids and Peptides Seized in Joint ABF-TGA Operation

The Australian Border Force and Therapeutic Goods Administration announced the arrest of three Victorians and seizure of over $2 million worth of Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs), including more than 10,000 vials and 600 tablets of steroids and peptide products. The eight-month joint investigation, which began in August 2025 following the interception of 640 vials, led to criminal charges against three individuals for importing Tier 1 Goods (PIEDs). The TGA warned that unapproved peptide products present serious safety risks including contamination, infection, and tissue damage.

Over 30,000 Illegal Vaping Goods Seized in Major TGA Operation, South-West Sydney

The TGA, assisted by NSW Police Force, seized over 30,000 illegal vaping goods from sites in Chipping Norton and Casula on 15 April 2026, with an estimated street value of $1.8 million. This enforcement action follows a significant investigation into unlawful online advertising, supply, and possession of commercial quantities of illegal vaping goods. The TGA warns that non-compliance with vaping offences under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 can result in penalties including up to 7 years imprisonment, or fines of up to $2.31 million for individuals and $23.1 million for corporations per offence.

Board of Medical Examiners Full Board Meeting - April 2026

The Montana Board of Medical Examiners has scheduled a full board meeting for April 24, 2026 from 10am to 4pm at 301 S Park Ave, 4th Floor, Large Conference Room. The meeting will be held in-person and virtually via teleconference. New agenda items may be added up to 48 hours before the meeting.

Board Meeting Scheduled for July 24, 2026 in Helena

The Montana Board of Medical Examiners has scheduled a full board meeting for July 24, 2026, from 10am to 4pm at 301 S. Park Ave, Helena (4th Floor Large Conference Room). The meeting will be held in-person and virtually, with teleconference access available for those unable to attend on-site.

Full Board Meeting, Oct 23 2026, Helena

The Montana Board of Medical Examiners announces a full board meeting on October 23, 2026, from 10am to 4pm at 301 S. Park Ave, Helena. The meeting will be held in-person and virtually via Zoom. No regulatory actions or decisions are described in this notice.

Nanoleq AG Physiological Monitoring and Personalized Breathing Exercise Patent

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4426191A1 for Nanoleq AG, covering a system and method for monitoring a user's physiological state and providing personalized breathing exercises. The application names six inventors including Serge Weydert and Vincent Martinez and classifies under IPC codes A61B for diagnostic and measurement devices.

Selection of a Preferred Intraocular Lens Based on Ray Tracing

The EPO published patent application EP4258972A1 for Alcon Inc., titled 'Selection of a Preferred Intraocular Lens Based on Ray Tracing.' The invention relates to methods for selecting intraocular lenses (IOLs) for cataract surgery using ray tracing optical calculations to predict post-operative visual outcomes. The patent designates 37 European states including major markets such as DE, FR, GB, IT, ES, and NL.

Neurent Medical Nasal Treatment Patent Application

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4225185A1 filed by Neurent Medical Limited for systems and methods of therapeutic nasal treatment. The application was filed by inventor David Townley with designated states covering the EU and EPC contracting states. This publication makes the application publicly available for examination and opposition.

System and Method for Identification of Biological Tissues

The European Patent Office granted patent EP3285059A1 to Micromass UK Limited on April 8, 2026, covering a system and method for identifying biological tissues using mass spectrometry. The patent (Inventor: Zoltán Takáts) applies across 38 designated European states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.

Diamond Microelectrodes Neural Interface Patent EP3057499A1

The EPO published patent application EP3057499A1 for microelectrodes made from structured diamond designed for neural interfacing applications. The patent was filed by Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA) with inventors Clément Hebert, Emmanuel Scorsone, Jean-Paul Mazellier, and Lionel Rousseau. The invention covers IPC classifications including A61B 5/24 (measurement of neural or electroencephalographic potentials), A61B 5/291, G01N 27/30, G01N 27/327, H01M 4/04, and H01M 4/02.

Electrode Array for Physiological Monitoring Device

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3242593A1 for Medasense Biometrics Ltd., covering an electrode array for physiological monitoring and associated devices. The patent application includes IPC classifications related to vital sign measurement, electrode arrangements, and signal processing for physiological data. The designated contracting states span most EU member states plus other European countries.

Computer-Assisted Surgery System and Method for Calculating a Distance with Inertial Sensors

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3518805A1 for Orthosoft ULC, covering a computer-assisted surgery system and method that calculates distances using inertial sensors. The invention includes five named inventors and is classified under A61B (diagnosis, surgery, measurement). The patent designates all relevant EU member states for protection.

Apple Patent on Medical Term Search, Published Apr 8th

Apple Patent on Medical Term Search, Published Apr 8th

FUJIFILM Medical Drug Recognition Device, Method, Program

The European Patent Office granted Patent EP3603604A1 to FUJIFILM Medical Co., Ltd. for a drug recognition device, method, and program. The invention uses computer vision (G06V) and health informatics (G16H) technologies to identify and analyze drugs. The patent covers designated contracting states across the European Union.

Anonymous Interactive Display System with Extended Timeout Period

The European Patent Office published HeartFlow, Inc.'s European patent application EP3676853A1 for systems and methods generating anonymous interactive displays with extended timeout periods. The patent application (IPC G16H 40/60, G16H 10/60) covers health informatics technology for medical imaging diagnostics. The application designates 35 European states including Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and Switzerland.

EP3635741A1 Controls for Robot-Assisted Surgical Platforms

EPO granted European Patent EP3635741A1 to Ethicon LLC on April 8, 2026, covering controls for robot-assisted surgical platforms. The patent lists inventors Frederick E. Shelton IV, David C. Yates, and Jason L. Harris, with IPC classifications including G16H (Health Informatics) and A61B (Medical/Surgery). The patent is designated for all 31 European states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.

Sony Medical System, Medical Apparatus, and Medical Method Patent - EP3844772A1

The European Patent Office published patent EP3844772A1 for Sony Group Corporation, covering a medical system, medical apparatus, and medical method classified under G16H (Health Informatics). The patent names five inventors and grants Sony exclusive rights to the claimed medical technology across all designated EU member states and associated territories.

Study Data Technical Conformance Guide Technical Specifications Document

FDA issued technical specifications for study data conformance to guide sponsors and applicants on formatting study data submissions for drug and biologics regulatory review. The guidance applies to regulated product submissions under FDA jurisdiction. It represents current FDA thinking on technical data standards without creating new legal obligations.

NC Officials Testify Before Legislature on Medicaid Fraud Prevention

NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai and Attorney General Jeff Jackson testified before the NC General Assembly House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform on April 16, 2026, regarding Medicaid fraud prevention efforts. NC Medicaid covers over 3 million North Carolinians (1 in 4 residents) with a 0.46% eligibility error rate. In 2025, the program reported 158 credible allegations of member fraud and 228 credible allegations of provider fraud among 114,454 enrolled providers. The Attorney General's Medicaid Investigations Division has recovered over $1.2 billion in restitution and penalties for North Carolina.

PREP Performance Measures Information Collection

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) published a notice announcing a proposed information collection activity for the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) Performance Measures. The notice opens a 60-day public comment period through June 16, 2026. This information collection supports monitoring of state and territorial PREP program performance outcomes.

FDA ANDA and 505(b)(2) Approvals - First Quarter 2026

JD Supra Healthcare published a compilation tracking FDA Abbreviated New Drug Application and 505(b)(2) Application approvals for Q1 2026 (January through late March). The chart lists over 100 final generic drug approvals, including approval dates, reference-listed drugs, generic drug names, NDA holders, ANDA applicants, and ANDA numbers. Companies represented include Taro, Glenmark, Sandoz, Amneal, Apotex, Zydus, and numerous other generic manufacturers.

Animal Generic Drug User Fee Act Public Meeting Request for Comments

The FDA announced a virtual public meeting on May 27, 2026 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET) to gather stakeholder input on the Animal Generic Drug User Fee Act (AGDUFA) reauthorization. The docket (FDA-2011-N-0655) will remain open for comments through December 1, 2027, with comments for website publication due by July 1, 2026. This notice solicits feedback from the generic animal drug industry on program improvements.

Animal Drug User Fee Act; Public Meeting; Request for Comments

The FDA announced a virtual public meeting on the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA) reauthorization process. The meeting will be held May 27, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. The docket will remain open for comments until December 1, 2027, with comments suggesting program changes due by July 1, 2026 for publication on the FDA website.

Generic Clearance for Qualitative Data To Support Social and Behavioral Research for Food, Dietary Supplements, Cosmetics, and Animal Food and Feed

The FDA is announcing an opportunity for public comment on a proposed extension of its generic clearance for qualitative data collection. The collection supports social and behavioral research for food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and animal food and feed. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Agency must publish a 60-day notice and allow public comment before submitting the collection to OMB. Comments are due by June 16, 2026.

Radioactive Drug Research Committees Information Collection

The FDA is soliciting public comments on an extension of existing information collection requirements related to Radioactive Drug Research Committees under 21 CFR 361.1. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Agency must publish notice and allow 60 days for public comment before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. Comments are being sought on whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for proper FDA functions.

Authorization of Emergency Use for Four Animal Drugs for Treatment of New World Screwworm

FDA announced the issuance of four Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs to treat New World screwworm infestations in livestock and companion animals. Three EUAs were issued to Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA for prevention and treatment in cattle, dogs, and cats. One EUA was issued to Health and Hygiene (Pty) Ltd. for use in cattle, horses, sheep, goats, deer, birds, and captive wild mammals. The EUAs were effective on February 5, February 18, and March 10, 2026, following an August 2025 HHS determination of significant public health emergency potential.