Protein and nucleic acid therapeutics are reshaping modern medicine, offering new ways to treat complex diseases and improve patient outcomes. Their rapid development presents both exciting opportunities and unique challenges when it comes to protecting innovation.

Protein therapeutics are biologically derived molecules, including antibodies and engineered proteins such as enzymes, blood products, and hormones. They treat disease by targeting biological functions, replacing deficient proteins or modulating pathways with antibodies forming a major class. Nucleic acid therapeutics, by contrast, use DNA or RNA sequences (e.g. siRNA, ASOs, mRNA, aptamers) to influence disease at the genetic level. Despite their promise, challenges such as degradation and targeted delivery remain, but advances in chemical modification and delivery systems are driving innovation and creating valuable patent opportunities.

At HGF, we advise clients working across the full spectrum of protein and nucleic acid technologies. Our attorneys have extensive experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications for both structure-based and functionally defined claims, and in navigating differences between EPO and USPTO practice. Issues such as written description and support requirements are often decisive, particularly as recent case law and the 2024 EPO Guidelines reshape how these inventions are assessed.

We combine scientific depth with commercial insight to help clients protect their assets and develop robust IP portfolios. Our goal is to support long-term business growth in these fast-moving and highly competitive therapeutic fields.