Healthcare & Life Sciences

Walmart Apollo AI Symptom Checker Patent, Granted 14th Apr

Walmart Apollo AI Symptom Checker Patent, Granted 14th Apr

Apparatus and Methods for Supporting Medical Decisions

The USPTO granted patent US12603178B2 to Kyung Hee University's Industry Cooperation Group for an AI-powered medical decision support apparatus and methods. The patent covers a visual-linguistic neural learning system with cause mining, logical reasoning, and proof inference capabilities for analyzing medical images and generating reports. The patent claims include 14 items across multiple CPC classifications including G16H medical informatics categories.

System and Method for Providing Dental Services to a Patient

Dental Patient Digital Scanning Interface Patent Granted

Optum Patent for Dynamic Health Appointment Scheduling Using Real-Time Health Conditions

USPTO granted Patent US12603183B2 to Optum, Inc. covering systems and methods for scheduling healthcare appointments dynamically based on real-time health conditions. The patent claims 17 total claims and was filed on October 7, 2022. The technology uses machine learning to identify similar health profiles, generate appointment schedules, evaluate risk scores, and adjust scheduling based on changes in user health data.

US12603184B2 - Systems and Methods for Continuous Cancer Treatment and Prognostics

USPTO granted patent US12603184B2 to The Regents of the University of California on April 14, 2026. The patent covers AI systems for continuous cancer treatment and prognostics, including methods for organizing multimodal health data, assessing data quality, and applying NLP to electronic health records for cancer survival prediction. The patent contains 17 claims and falls under CPC classifications G16H 50/30, G16H 10/60, and related health informatics categories.

Scientific Clinical Diffusion Network

USPTO granted patent US12603185B1 to IQVIA Inc. covering methods and systems for generating heterogeneous networks that connect clinical healthcare provider networks with scientific researcher networks. The patent includes 20 claims and covers techniques for predicting cross-network links and identifying clinical and scientific leaders through graph-based analysis. The invention applies to health informatics analytics platforms that integrate clinical and scientific evidence.

Net Energy Model for Companion Animals and Methods

USPTO granted patent US12588690B2 to Mars, Incorporated covering a net energy prediction model for companion animal pet foods. The patent includes methods for determining appropriate feeding amounts, providing feeding guidelines, and methods of maintaining desired weight or effecting weight loss in companion animals. The patent contains 3 claims and was filed on May 9, 2019.

Verily Life Sciences LLC - Pattern Discovery in Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data

USPTO granted patent US12588838B1 to Verily Life Sciences LLC on March 31, 2026. The patent covers diabetes management platforms that apply similarity algorithms, including dynamic time warping, to glucose measurement data series to discover patterns indicative of similar behaviors and circumstances. The patent contains 20 claims and was filed on September 18, 2020.

UNLOXCYT Regulatory Review Period; Comment by Jun 15

UNLOXCYT Regulatory Review Period; Comment by Jun 15

FDA CTP Complaint Filed April 16, 2026

FDA's Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) filed a complaint on April 16, 2026, initiating formal enforcement proceedings against undisclosed parties for alleged violations of tobacco regulations under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The complaint, docketed as FDA-2026-H-3940-0001, is available on Regulations.gov with supporting documentation. This enforcement action may result in civil penalties, injunctive relief, or other remedies as determined through the administrative or judicial process.

Stability Testing Medicated Premixes Draft Guidance

FDA has issued draft guidance on stability testing requirements for medicated premixes, opening a public comment period. The guidance applies to veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturers producing medicated feed premixes. Interested parties may submit comments through Regulations.gov. The docket number is FDA-2021-D-0613-0003.

Stability Testing for Medicated Premixes Draft Guidance

FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) published draft guidance revising VICH GL8(R), updating stability testing requirements for medicated premixes used in veterinary medicine. The document is open for public comment through June 15. This guidance aligns U.S. requirements with international VICH harmonized standards for veterinary pharmaceutical products.

FDA Reclassifies Non-Invasive Bone Growth Stimulators to Class II

FDA issued a final order reclassifying non-invasive bone growth stimulators (product codes LOF and LPQ) from class III to class II, subject to premarket notification (510(k)) and special controls. The devices, previously requiring premarket approval (PMA), are now subject to the less burdensome 510(k) pathway. The reclassification is effective May 18, 2026.

P230025 Safety Effectiveness Data Summary

FDA issued a Final Order for Premarket Approval application P230025, summarizing the safety and effectiveness data reviewed for the medical device. The order documents FDA's determination that the device meets approval standards based on clinical and bench testing data submitted by the sponsor. This final order concludes the premarket review process for the device.

P210016 Safety Effectiveness Summary

FDA issued a Final Order for Premarket Approval P210016, including a Safety Effectiveness Summary for the Class III medical device. This order completes the FDA premarket approval review process, authorizing the device for market entry based on demonstrated safety and effectiveness data. The order applies to the device manufacturer holding PMA P210016.

UNLOXCYT Patent Extension Determination Comment Period

FDA has opened a public comment period regarding the patent extension determination for UNLOXCYT (a pharmaceutical drug product). Stakeholders may submit comments through the Regulations.gov portal. The comment form collects commenter identity, email address for confirmation, and optional attachments up to 20 files.

Tumor Stroma Imaging Agent with FAP Targeting

USPTO granted patent US12599685B2 to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences for a tumor stroma imaging agent targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The imaging agent exhibits high affinity for FAP, high uptake for malignant tumors with high FAP expression, and high sensitivity and specificity for tumor diagnosis. The patent covers the chemical structure where R is hydrogen or fluorine, and claims the agent's use for malignant tumor diagnosis and treatment with prolonged half-life.

Antibody for Binding to Interleukin 4 Receptor

USPTO granted Patent US12600771B2 to Connect Biopharma Hong Kong Limited for an antibody capable of binding to the interleukin 4 (IL-4) receptor. The patent covers the antibody itself, encoding nucleic acids, vectors, host cells, production methods, medical uses, and kits. The patent contains 30 claims and was filed on November 15, 2023.

Serum Exosome With High Osteogenesis and High Angiogenesis for Bone Defect Repair

USPTO granted Patent US12599630B2 to Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology for a serum exosome composition with high osteogenesis and high angiogenesis for bone defect repair. The patent covers exosomes derived from serum during fracture recovery period (weeks 2-5 post-fracture) and methods of preparing and using them for bone defect repair. The patent contains 5 claims.

Megmilk Snow Brand - US12599639B2 Joint Function-Improving Composition Patent

USPTO granted patent US12599639B2 to MEGMILK SNOW BRAND CO., LTD. for a joint function-improving composition containing bacterial cells and/or cultures of Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, or Bifidobacterium genera combined with a joint function-improving agent. The composition targets prevention or treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis through chondrocyte growth promotion and suppression of inflammation, cartilage degradation, pain, and neuronal outgrowth factors. The patent covers food, drink, feed, and pharmaceutical applications.

CAR T Cell Therapy Patent - US12600775B2

USPTO granted Patent US12600775B2 to Kite Pharma, Inc. for methods of preparing, producing, processing, culturing, isolating, or making cells suitable for immune or cell therapy and their use in cell therapy. The patent covers CAR T cell therapy methods with applications in cancer treatment.

Device for Delivering Substance to Body Cavity - EP4243993A1

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4243993A1 for AptarGroup, Inc., covering devices for delivering a substance to a body cavity. The invention relates to nasal spray applicators and substance delivery mechanisms classified under IPC A61M. The patent application was published April 8, 2026, designating all EU member states and extended European Patent Convention states.

EP4251259A1, Bulkhead Anchor Medical Leads

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4251259A1 titled 'Bulkhead Anchor for Medical Device Leads' on April 8, 2026. The application names Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. as the applicant with inventors Dawson, Jackson, Raines, and Reardon. The invention relates to anchoring mechanisms for neurostimulation and catheter leads classified under A61N 1/05, A61M 25/04, and A61B 17/00.

Guidewire Extension System for Catheter Placement Device

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4115938A1 for a guidewire extension system used in catheter placement devices, filed by C. R. Bard, Inc. The invention relates to medical device technology for improving catheter placement procedures. The patent grants IP rights across 38 designated European states including AT, BE, DE, ES, FR, GB, IT, NL, and others.

Inreda Diabetic Infusion Set With Adjustable Elements

The European Patent Office published patent EP4319860A1 for Inreda Diabetic B.V., covering an adjustable infusion set system for diabetic patients. The patent designates all EU member states as well as other European countries including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Turkey.

Adipose Tissue Purification Machine, Neosyad

The European Patent Office published patent EP4444375A1 for Neosyad, covering a machine for purifying adipose tissue and reintroducing it into a patient's body. The patent names inventors Roche, Cabaud, and Nelissen and classifies under A61M medical devices.

Systems and Methods for Generating Nitric Oxide Using Microwave Energy (EP4384248A1)

The European Patent Office granted Patent EP4384248A1 to Third Pole, Inc. covering systems and methods for generating nitric oxide using microwave energy. The patent application includes multiple IPC classifications spanning medical devices, chemical compositions, and plasma generation technologies. The patent designates 31 European contracting states for protection.

Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid Preparation Systems and Methods - EP4218849A2

The European Patent Office published European patent application EP4218849A2 by Gambro Lundia AB, covering systems and methods for peritoneal dialysis having point-of-use dialysis fluid preparation including mixing and heating. The application, filed under IPC classification A61M 1/28, names nine inventors and is now publicly available in all designated contracting states. The publication grants the applicant exclusive rights to the disclosed technology.

Chemical Engines and Methods for Injecting Highly Viscous Fluids - Eli Lilly EP4252801A2

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4252801A2 for Eli Lilly and Company, titled 'Chemical Engines and Methods for Their Use, Especially in the Injection of Highly Viscous Fluids.' The patent covers injection devices designed to deliver highly viscous pharmaceutical fluids, classified under A61M (medical injectors). The patent designates all EU member states and EPO contracting states.

Status Sensing Systems for Connected Injection Device EP4257167A2

EPO published patent application EP4257167A2 for Eli Lilly and Company's status sensing systems for connected injection devices. The application, filed by inventors PATEL, SOMLAI, and WIESLER, covers injection devices with sensing technology for monitoring injection status. The patent designates all EU member states plus extension 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, TR.

Chimeric Antigen Receptors Targeting CD79B and CD19 for Cancer Treatment

USPTO granted Patent US12600760B2 to The General Hospital Corporation on April 14, 2026, covering chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting CD79B and CD19 for cancer treatment. The patent includes methods for producing T cells with CARs having extracellular domains that bind both CD79b and CD19. Invented by Marcela V. Maus, the patent covers upfront treatment methods where the patient has not been previously treated for the cancer.

Treatments for Ocular Neovascularization

USPTO granted patent US12599680B1 to 4D Molecular Therapeutics Inc. covering compositions and methods for treating ocular neovascular diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration. The patent contains 24 claims and expires August 14, 2045.

September 2025 Nursing Board Disciplinary Actions Published

The Oklahoma Board of Nursing Investigative Division published September 2025 Board Actions documents containing disciplinary actions against licensed nurses. Both PDF and Excel formats of the disciplinary actions data are now available on the Oklahoma government website. Healthcare providers and legal professionals should review these documents for compliance implications.

Rabid Bat Confirmed in Lexington County One Person and One Pet Exposed

South Carolina DPH confirmed a bat found near Henslowe and Ashburton lanes in West Columbia tested positive for rabies on April 14, 2026, after being submitted for testing on April 13. One person was potentially exposed and has been referred to their health care provider, while one dog was exposed and will be quarantined under the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. This is the 23rd case of rabid animals statewide in 2026 and the second in Lexington County.

Rabid Dog Confirmed in Anderson County; Four People and One Pet Exposed

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a brown and black German shepherd dog found near La Paz Street and Los Cabos Lane in Pendleton tested positive for rabies on April 15, 2026. Four people were exposed and have been referred to healthcare providers. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined per the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. This is the fifth animal to test positive for rabies in Anderson County in 2026, with 24 cases statewide.

Evaluation of the PATH Program—Reinstatement of Information Collection

SAMHSA published a notice announcing the reinstatement of information collection activities for the Evaluation of the Projects for Assistance in Transition From Homelessness (PATH) Program. The notice requests public comments on proposed data collection instruments including a State PATH Contact (SPC) Web Survey (reduced from 82 to 49 questions) and Site Visit Discussion Guides. The estimated total burden is 578.5 hours across 361 respondents with a total hour cost of $15,896.39. Comments are due within 60 days of publication.

Boil Water Advisory Issued for Jefferson Co RWD 7, Jefferson County, Kansas

KDHE has issued a boil water advisory for Jefferson Co RWD 7 public water supply system in Jefferson County, Kansas, effective April 16, 2026. The advisory was issued due to a waterline break resulting in loss of pressure in the distribution system, which creates risk of bacterial contamination and loss of chlorine residuals. Customers should boil water for one minute before drinking or use bottled water until KDHE rescinds the advisory following laboratory testing.

Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for Flint Hills Prescribed Burns

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued an Air Quality Health Advisory on April 16, 2026, due to elevated Air Quality Index values from prescribed burns across the Flint Hills. Increased burning activity on April 15 resulted in elevated AQI readings this morning, with winds expected to carry additional smoke from ongoing burns. KDHE and partners continue implementing the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan to mitigate air quality impacts.

Early Alert: American Contract Systems Coronary Angio Pack Convenience Kits with Affected Namic RA Syringes

FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) issued an Early Alert for American Contract Systems Coronary Angio Pack convenience kits (ANCA80AQ, ANCA80AP) containing Namic Angiographic Control Syringes with Rotating Adaptor subject to Medline's recall. The syringes' rotating adaptor may unwind during use, causing loose connections or disconnection between syringe and manifold. This poses risks of biohazard exposure, blood loss, infection, air embolism, serious injury, or death. Four serious injuries have been reported as of March 13.

PD-1 Antibodies, Nanjing Legend Biotech, 8th Apr

PD-1 Antibodies, Nanjing Legend Biotech, 8th Apr

Phosphoantigen Prodrug Compounds

The European Patent Office granted patent EP3818064A1 for phosphoantigen prodrug compounds to University College Cardiff Consultants Ltd. and University of Birmingham. The patent covers novel chemical compounds with applications in immunology and oncology, classified under IPC C07F 9/44 and A61K 31/664. The patent is valid in 44 designated contracting states across Europe.

TNF Inhibitor for Gastrointestinal Disease Treatment, EP3810095A1

The EPO published patent application EP3810095A1 for BT Bidco, Inc., covering a TNF inhibitor formulation for treating gastrointestinal diseases. The patent application was published under IPC classifications A61K 9/22, A61K 31/436, and A61K 48/00. The application designates all EU member states plus other EPC contracting states including CH, GB, LI, MC, NO, TR, and IS.

Hydrocortisone for Treatment of Mastitis in Non-Human Mammals, EP3829591A1

The European Patent Office published Patent Application EP3829591A1 for VIRBAC covering hydrocortisone formulations for treating mastitis in non-human mammals. The application names inventors HAVRILECK Bertrand, JASMIN Pierre, and MCGAHIE David with IPC classifications in A61K therapeutic preparations. The designated states cover EU contracting states including AT, BE, DE, ES, FR, GB, IT, NL, PL, and others.

Compounds, Compositions, Methods, and Uses for Treating Cancer and Immunological Disorders

The European Patent Office granted Patent EP3820533A2 to IL-2RX, Inc. covering novel compounds and compositions for treating cancer and immunological disorders. The patent application, filed by inventors Soares and Hurt, was published April 8, 2026 under IPC classifications A61K 47/64, A61K 47/65, A61P 35/00, and A61P 37/02. The patent is designated for all EU member states and extended territories.

Thiocycloheptyne Derivatives and Their Use

The EPO published European patent application EP3820858A1 for thiocycloheptyne derivatives and their pharmaceutical use, filed by Cristal Delivery B.V. The patent covers thiocycloheptyne compound compositions and their therapeutic applications under IPC classification A61K. The patent is validated in all designated EU contracting states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and 24 other jurisdictions.

LEAD Model Features, Five Legal Issues for ACOs

K&L Gates LLP published a primer on the Long Term Enhanced ACO Design (LEAD) Model, outlining its key features and five legal considerations for Accountable Care Organizations and providers evaluating participation. The article provides background on the model and discusses implications for accountable care arrangements under Medicare.

Biotech Insights - Spring 2026

Haynes Boone published its Spring 2026 biotech regulatory update covering FDA post-approval change requirements for New Drug Applications and a Federal Circuit patent eligibility ruling. The article explains that NDA changes are categorized as major (prior FDA approval required), moderate (30 days after supplement filing), or minor (annual report only), with dosage form changes typically requiring a new NDA. The piece also analyzes the Federal Circuit's decision in REGENXBIO v. Sarepta upholding patent eligibility for engineered host cells containing heterologous non-AAV sequences.

FDA Encourages Sponsors to Pursue New Testosterone Therapy Indication for Low Libido

The FDA announced it is taking an initial step to expand treatment options for men with low libido by encouraging sponsors of approved testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) products to express interest in pursuing a potential new indication for idiopathic hypogonadism. Following a preliminary review of published clinical literature and a December 2025 expert panel discussion, FDA identified data suggesting TRT may be safe and effective for certain men with low libido related to low testosterone without an identifiable cause.

Phase 1 Pomalidomide After CAR T-Cell Therapy for Relapsed or Refractory CD19+ B-Cell Leukemia or Lymphoma

The NIH National Library of Medicine registered Phase 1 clinical trial NCT07532525 to evaluate pomalidomide following CD19 CAR T-cell therapy for relapsed or refractory CD19+ B-cell leukemia or lymphoma. The single-arm trial will assess safety and preliminary effectiveness of the combination therapy in approximately 24 participants.

Orthodontic and Articular Effects of the One-Step No-Prep Protocol

NIH's ClinicalTrials.gov registered a new observational study (NCT07533240) investigating the One-Step No-Prep protocol for treating localized tooth wear in adults. The study will evaluate orthodontic tooth movements, temporomandibular joint function, and restoration stability using digital scans, 3D imaging, and jaw-tracking. Participants will receive bonded restorations combined with orthodontic mechanics and complete questionnaires on comfort and satisfaction.