VHIR obtains more than €1 million from the use of a patent

The Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) obtained more than €1 million in profit from the use of a patent of a new treatment for a mitochondrial rare disease caused by TK2 deficiency. It is the biggest financial profit generated by a Spanish research institute for a patent with tech transfer.

In 2013, Dr Ramon Martí, head of the Research Group on Neuromuscular and Mitochondrial Diseases at the VHIR, and Dr Michio Hirano from Columbia University in New York, discovered this new treatment. Then they licensed the patent to the company Modis Therapeutics (California, United States). Modis was acquired by Zogenix.

HiTT, an international market access consultancy from a payer’s perspective with offices in Barcelona, participated in the evidence review to complete the evidence package of the value dossier of the drug.

The VHIR introduced an innovation model that enabled it to successfully transmit research results to society. "This case study shows that we are competitive in health innovation at an international level and encourages us to continue being competitive" says Dr Joan Comella, director of the VHIR and CataloniaBio & HealthTech board member.

The profit obtained from licensing the patent will be entirely reinvested in the VHIR's research.

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Photo: Research group led by Dr Ramon Martí - © VHIR