Healthcare & Life Sciences

Virginia Senate Bill 170 and House Bill 627 Restrict Noncompete Agreements

Virginia has enacted SB 170 and HB 627, landmark legislation restricting covenants not to compete. SB 170 requires employers to provide severance benefits for noncompetes to be enforceable when terminating employees without cause, with civil penalties of $10,000 per violation. HB 627 categorically prohibits noncompetes with health care professionals licensed by the Board of Medicine, Nursing, Counseling, Optometry, Psychology, or Social Work, with an exception only for sale-of-business scenarios. The laws apply to all agreements entered, amended, or renewed on or after July 1, 2026.

CD38 Antibody Variant Improves Manufacturing Yield

USPTO granted patent US12600790B2 to Vivasor, Inc. covering a variant anti-CD38 IgG antibody with improved manufacturing yield and a mutated light chain that reduces cleavage heterogeneity. The patent contains 19 claims and is classified under C07K 16/2878 and related CPC codes.

Single-Domain Antibodies That Bind ROR1

USPTO granted Patent US12600801B2 to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center for single-domain antibodies binding receptor tyrosine kinase ROR1. The patent covers anti-cancer therapeutics, antibody-drug conjugates, multi-domain binding molecules, and cancer imaging/diagnostic agents. The patent contains 20 claims with inventors Jason Price, Colin E. Correnti, and James M. Olson.

Anti-IgG Nanobodies Patent Granted to Max-Planck

USPTO granted patent US12600799B2 to Max-Planck-Gesellschaft on April 14, 2026 for novel anti-IgG nanobodies directed against rabbit or mouse IgG. The patent contains 11 claims classified under CPC C07K 16/42. The invention also covers methods for producing and using said nanobodies.

5T4 Binding Polypeptides for Cancer Therapy

USPTO granted patent US12600794B2 to Abdera Therapeutics for 5T4 binding polypeptides useful for cancer therapy. The 36 claims cover polypeptides conjugated to chelating agents or radionuclide complexes. The patent protects compositions and methods for treating 5T4-expressing cancers.

IGF-1R Antibodies With Extended Half-Lives for Thyroid Eye Disease Treatment

USPTO granted US Patent US12600788B2 to Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. covering antibodies and compositions targeting Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Receptor (IGF-1R) with extended half-lives for treating thyroid eye disease. The patent contains 18 claims and names six inventors including Vahe Bedian, Peter Harwin, and Jonathan Violin.

Heart Valve Crown Piece with Leaflets, Top Cuff, and Bottom Cuff Patent

USPTO granted Patent US12599479B2 to Venus Medtech (Hangzhou), Inc. for a heart valve comprising a crown piece interconnected to leaflets, a top cuff, and a bottom cuff. The invention includes ring-shaped crown piece, top cuff, and bottom cuff components designed for interconnection with medical implant frames. The patent contains 16 claims and covers the structural configuration of transcatheter heart valve assemblies.

Edwards Lifesciences Percutaneous Mitral Valve Replacement Patent B2

The USPTO granted patent US12599480B2 to Edwards Lifesciences Corporation for a percutaneous mitral valve replacement device. The prosthetic heart valve includes an outer frame with atrial flange, an inner frame, and a valve structure with leaflets, designed to match the patient's native mitral valve anatomy. The patent contains 10 claims and was filed on November 15, 2023.

Artificial Eye Lens with Cavity Design for Reduced Incision Implantation - US12599477B2

USPTO granted patent US12599477B2 to Carl Zeiss Meditec AG for an artificial eye lens with front and rear lens elements connected by an intermediate element forming a cavity with an opening for liquid flow. The design allows reduction of the access incision necessary for implantation. The patent includes 15 claims and covers methods for production and implantation of the lens.

DONGBANG MEDICAL Rhinoplasty Suture Patent Granted

USPTO granted patent US12599478B2 to DONGBANG MEDICAL CO., LTD. for a lifting suture for rhinoplasty and manufacturing method. The patent covers a device with cogs formed in first and second regions connected by a pressed connecting region. Application 18382060 was filed October 20, 2023, with 5 claims.

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Regurgitation Coaptation Device with Secondary Anchors

USPTO granted Patent US12599482B2 to Polares Medical Inc. for a transcatheter mitral valve regurgitation coaptation device with secondary anchors. The patent covers a coaptation assistance element, delivery catheter, and implantation method with 20 claims.

US12599483B2 Boney Structure Joining Patent Grant

USPTO granted patent US12599483B2 to Randall F. Lee for systems and methods to join boney structures. The invention uses at least one non-threaded anchor and an implant with apertures, where the anchor head interacts with the implant aperture to cause transverse movement for compression or distraction of coupled boney structures. The patent has 7 claims.

US12599486B2 - Glenoid Implant Pin Placement Instrument with Patient Specific Instrumentation

USPTO granted patent US12599486B2 for a pin placement instrument used in glenoid implant surgery. The instrument features an anatomical interface with a hook-like portion for receiving bone in a planned position, a drill guide with lateral-opening slots, and a removably placeable bushing for pin placement. The patent was filed August 3, 2022, under application number 17880302, with 7 claims.

Systems and Methods for Prosthetic Heart Valve Delivery

USPTO granted Patent US12599481B2 to 4C Medical Technologies, Inc. for delivery systems and methods for implanting prosthetic heart valves. The patent covers technology for delivering self-expanding prosthetic mitral valve devices to the left atrium without engagement of the left ventricle or native mitral valve leaflets. The patent contains 16 claims and was filed on November 8, 2023.

Polishing Device for Orthopedic Devices Patent Granted

USPTO granted Patent US12599484B1 to Spartan Felt Company, Inc. on April 14, 2026. The patent covers a polishing device for orthopedic implants, including acetabular cups. The device features a compressible polishing head with rounded surfaces for polishing concave surfaces, made from impregnated felt materials. The patent contains 8 claims and was filed on July 9, 2021.

Spinal Brace Rod Patent US12599411B2 Granted to Globeride, Inc.

The USPTO granted patent US12599411B2 to Globeride, Inc. on April 14, 2026, for a fixture rod for spinal braces featuring a core member and reinforcing fiber layer. The patent, filed September 10, 2021 (Application No. 18027818), contains 8 claims and addresses high rigidity and durability against deformation loads.

Smart Spinal Implant Sensors Patent Granted to Warsaw Orthopedic

The USPTO granted Patent US12599412B2 to Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. covering smart spinal implant sensors with measurement capabilities for spinal constructs. The patent includes method claims for attaching sensor-equipped implants to spinal constructs and performing intra-operative adjustments based on received sensor data.

Multi-Clamp Surgical Device for External Bone Fixator

USPTO granted patent US12599410B2 to Advanced Trauma Solutions, LLC covering a multi-clamp apparatus for orthopedic external bone fixators. The invention features two clamp arms with opposing crescentic channels for securing multiple bone pins, collapsible torque amplifying knobs for hand operation, and ergonomically designed turn levers. The patent contains 20 claims.

CarboFix Spine Composite Spinal Implant US12599413B2

The USPTO granted patent US12599413B2 to CarboFix Spine Inc. for a composite material spinal implant construct kit. The patent covers pedicle screw technology with an embracing structure and upper fastener having polygonal profile. The application was filed March 9, 2020, under application number 17437072, and includes 20 claims.

System and Method to Measure Uterine Wall Thickness - Cilag GmbH

USPTO granted patent US12599407B2 to Cilag GmbH International for a system to measure uterine wall thickness. The system includes a control console, laparoscopic instrument, and uterine manipulator with proximity sensors that cooperatively measure distance between instruments and generate alerts when distances fall below threshold values.

Bone Anchoring Device with Receiving Part for Rod Coupling

USPTO granted patent US12599414B2 to Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG for a bone anchoring device receiving part. The device includes a receiving body with a rod-receiving channel and accommodation space, plus a pressure element with a flexible portion for clamping a bone anchoring element head. The pressure element moves along the receiving part's longitudinal axis from an inserting position through pre-locking to a final locking position.

Hinge for External Bone Fixator - Advanced Trauma Solutions

USPTO granted patent US12599409B2 to Advanced Trauma Solutions LLC for a hinge apparatus used in external bone fixators. The invention includes outrigger bars, joint bodies, a torque amplifying knob with collapsible turn levers, and a screw turn actuator. The patent has 14 claims and 3 CPC classifications in the A61B medical device category.

Bearing Assemblies for Selectively Coupling Surgical Instrument Components

USPTO granted patent US12599408B2 to Medos International Sàrl covering bearing assemblies for selectively coupling surgical instrument components. The patent includes 20 claims for assemblies with a housing, translating first race, bearing elements, and fixed second race configured to selectively lock to surgical instruments. Filing date was December 14, 2023.

Patella Bone Plate System

The USPTO granted Patent US12599417B2 to Smith & Nephew, Inc. on April 14, 2026, covering patella bone plate systems for surgical reconstruction. The patent claims a contoured body with arms, variable angle holes, locking and fixation holes, slots, and a hook design extending around the patella apex. The 19 claims establish enforceable intellectual property rights for the assignee.

NuVasive Adjustable Implant Patent US12599416B2 Granted

USPTO granted patent US12599416B2 to NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. on April 14, 2026. The patent covers an adjustable implant including a housing, a first adjustable member positioned within the housing and moveable relative to the housing, and a first actuation assembly configured to move the first adjustable member relative to the housing. The patent contains 18 claims and is classified under CPC A61B 17/7016 and related surgical device categories.

NCHS Data Detectives Camp, Comments Due Jun 14

CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is seeking public comments on the NCHS Data Detectives Camp educational program. The program is designed to educate students about health statistics and data analysis. Comments are due June 14.

TB Follow-up Worksheet, Newly-Arrived Deadline 14th Jun

CDC has published a TB Follow-up Worksheet for newly-arrived individuals with a compliance deadline of June 14th. The worksheet provides guidance for TB screening follow-up procedures for newly-arrived populations. Healthcare providers and public health authorities conducting TB screening should utilize this document for compliance purposes.

Federal Register Daily Issue, 14th Apr

The Federal Register published its daily issue on April 14, 2026, containing 112 documents from 38 agencies across 1006 pages. The issue includes 95 Notices, 8 Proposed Rules, and 9 Rules, along with 3 Significant Documents. This table of contents provides access to documents from agencies including the Air Force Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Agriculture Department.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Notice of Meeting

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the NIH, published a Federal Register Notice on April 14, 2026 announcing a public meeting scheduled for May 26, 2026. This notice satisfies requirements under the Federal Advisory Committee Act for public disclosure of advisory committee meetings. No regulatory obligations or compliance deadlines are established by this document.

Prospective Grant of Exclusive Patent License: Catheter-Based Myotomy Devices And Systems

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published a notice of prospective grant of exclusive patent license to Septune for catheter-based myotomy devices and systems. The NIH is seeking public comments on this prospective license agreement. The comment period closes on May 14, 2026.

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Notice of Closed Meeting

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) has issued a notice announcing a closed advisory council meeting scheduled for May 27-28, 2026. The meeting is closed to the public as it will involve discussion of grant applications and other privileged or predecisional matters. This is a routine administrative announcement.

Draft Guidance on Safety Assessment of Genome Editing Using Next-Generation Sequencing

The FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research issued draft guidance recommending next-generation sequencing methods for assessing off-target editing risks and genome integrity in human gene therapy products using genome editing technologies. The guidance applies to both ex vivo and in vivo products and provides recommendations on sequencing strategies, sample selection, analysis parameters, and reporting. Sponsors submitting investigational new drug applications or Biologics License Applications for genome editing therapies should incorporate these safety assessment methods into nonclinical studies. The FDA is accepting public comments for 90 days.

Biliary Stent Implant US12599468B2

USPTO granted patent US12599468B2 to ENDO GI MEDICAL LTD for an apparatus for deploying multiple biliary stents. The invention includes a guide tube with a slit and sequentially deployable stents for treating biliary duct obstructions.

Accommodating Intraocular Lenses and Methods of Manufacturing

The USPTO granted Alcon Inc. Patent US12599475B2 for accommodating intraocular lens technology. The patent covers an optic body with a radially extending projection featuring a flat haptic contact surface, with the haptic secured via a butt joint and including a fluid chamber. Six claims were issued.

Covered Stent with Elastic Supporting Member and Imaging Member

The USPTO granted Patent US12599472B2 to Lifetech Scientific (CO.), LTD. for a covered stent invention. The device comprises a hollow tubular main body with a window on its side wall, an elastic supporting member at the window periphery, and an imaging member movably connected to the supporting member. The patent contains 9 claims.

Tubular Mesh Support Device for Breast Implant - Patent Grant US12599474B2

The USPTO granted patent US12599474B2 to Novus Scientific AB for a tubular mesh support device designed for breast implant applications. The patent, filed May 6, 2020, was granted on April 14, 2026 and contains 9 claims covering the mesh support device and methods for preparing breast implants for human implantation.

Expandable Stent Devices for Blood Flow Passage Treatment

USPTO granted patent US12599471B2 to The Foundry, LLC for expandable stent devices designed to treat blood flow passages. The patent covers stents with a collapsed delivery configuration and an expanded configuration, featuring struts and longitudinally extending spines configured to move in opposing axial directions during expansion. The patent application was filed on March 24, 2021, and the grant includes 32 claims.

Tensionable Knotless Tissue Repair Systems and Surgical Methods Patent Granted

USPTO granted patent US12599473B2 to Arthrex, Inc. on April 14, 2026. The patent covers tensionable knotless tissue repair systems and methods using soft suture staple assemblies and knotless suture anchors for reducing and fixating tissue to bone. The patent contains 19 claims.

Vascular Device Marker Attachment

USPTO granted Patent US12599458B2 to Covidien LP on April 14, 2026. The patent covers a thrombectomy device with an arcuate marker-mounting projection where the marker contacts the projection at three discrete locations. The device is designed to expand from a first configuration to a second configuration for engaging blood clots in vessels.

Method of Screening Compounds Inhibiting Pancreatic Cancer RNF43 Mutation

The USPTO granted Patent US12600785B2 to Antlera Therapeutics Inc. covering a method of screening compounds that inhibit proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells having a loss-of-function mutation in the RNF43 gene. The patent discloses FZD5-binding agents for treating diseases associated with aberrant Frizzled protein expression. The patent contains 5 claims and names Guohua Pan, Jason Moffat, Sachdev Sidhu, Stephane Angers, Zachary Steinhart, and Xiaowei Wang as inventors.

LAG-3 Antibody Combination Therapies - Patent US12600777B2

The USPTO granted patent US12600777B2 to Novartis AG covering combination therapies comprising antibody molecules that specifically bind to LAG-3. The patent contains seven claims and relates to methods for treating, preventing, and/or diagnosing cancerous or infectious disorders. This represents a grant of exclusive intellectual property rights to Novartis AG for the therapeutic application of LAG-3 antibody combinations.

Novo Nordisk Patent for IL-6 Antagonist Treatment of Diuretic Resistant Heart Failure

The USPTO granted Patent US12600773B2 to Novo Nordisk A/S on April 14, 2026, covering methods of treating diuretic resistant heart failure patients carrying at least one copy of the TMPRSS6 rs855791 allele by administering an IL-6 antagonist. The patent also covers treatment of patients with elevated urine or plasma IL-6 levels requiring diuresis. The patent (CPC: C07K 16/248) names five inventors and issues from Application No. 17519082 filed November 4, 2021, with 10 claims granted.

RAGE Antibodies Patent Granted SUNY Apr 14

USPTO granted Patent US12600778B2 to The Research Foundation for The State University of New York for antibodies specific to the heparan sulfate binding site of Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE). The patent includes methods for treating conditions involving RAGE through antibody administration, with 4 claims allowed.

Tumor-Targeted Bispecific CD28 Antigen Binding Molecules Patent Grant

USPTO granted patent US12600781B2 to Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. covering tumor-targeted bispecific agonistic CD28 antigen binding molecules characterized by monovalent binding to CD28. The patent includes 51 claims covering the binding molecules, methods of production, pharmaceutical compositions containing these antibodies, and methods of using the same for cancer treatment.

Spinal Simplicity Surgical Kit Granted US12599400B1

USPTO granted patent US12599400B1 to Spinal Simplicity, LLC for a surgical kit used in spinal decompression procedures to treat spinal stenosis. The patent covers access instruments, bone reamers, and soft tissue removal instruments for both minimally invasive and open procedures targeting the interlaminar region of the lumbar spine.

Ultrasonic Treatment Instrument

USPTO granted patent US12599396B2 to Olympus Medical Systems Corp. for an ultrasonic treatment instrument. The patent includes 17 claims and covers a vibration transmitter with first and second supports and a tubular portion. Filing date was August 11, 2023.

AngioSafe Catheter - Device and Method for Centering and Crossing Vascular Occlusion

USPTO granted patent US12599398B2 to AngioSafe, Inc. for a catheter device designed to center and cross vascular occlusions. The invention includes a catheter body with central passage, rotatable drive shaft with cutting tip, and spiral springs for maintaining catheter centering through chronic total occlusions. The patent contains 19 claims.

Intraosseous Device Including Sensing Obturator

The USPTO granted Patent US12599405B2 to Bard Access Systems, Inc. covering an intraosseous access system with a driver, needle, and sensor-equipped obturator. The system detects modality changes via an electrical impedance sensor including a passive RFID chip. The patent contains 10 claims and covers the device's control logic that modifies driver operation upon detecting changes.

Methods, Systems, and Devices for Surgical Access and Insertion

The USPTO granted Patent US12599403B2 to the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska covering methods, systems, and devices for surgical access and insertion into insufflated patient cavities. The patent names Thomas Frederick, Shane Farritor, Jack Mondry, Eric Markvicka, Dmitry Oleynikov, and Jacob Greenburg as inventors and contains 20 claims.

Boston Scientific Patent Granted: Tissue Puncturing Medical Device

The USPTO granted US Patent 12599406B2 to Boston Scientific Medical Device Limited on April 14, 2026. The patent covers a medical device for puncturing tissue featuring an elongate member with distal curved and straight portions, an active tip for energy delivery, and a constant diameter layer. The patent contains 13 claims.