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Easier Licensing for Start-up Companies

April 3, 2018

A start-up license program launched in October 2017 by NCI TTC updates and enhances previous licensing options for start-up companies. The changes were made in response to feedback from companies. The program makes it easier and more financially attractive for start-ups to license a technology from NCI or any of the ICs supported by the TTC Service Center.

“NCI Start-up 2.0” offers a term-limited, exclusive Start-up Evaluation Option License to start-up companies developing early-stage vaccine, therapeutic, device, and diagnostic technologies. To learn more about the program – including the criteria that companies need to meet to qualify, the license features, and the process for startups to obtain a license, please see Tech Transfer Start-up Licenses.

Launching the updated start-up licensing program was the result of months of work by two separate project teams. The teams were comprised of a variety of TTC staff who considered and analyzed the original program that was established by the Office of Technology Transfer.  The goal was to develop an enhanced program that met the unique needs of a start-up company versus the licensing options available to larger companies and organizations.

“From some very diligent work and analysis of the original program, our two project teams were able to identify key issues that our original start-up licensees found problematic,” commented TTC Associate Director Richard Rodriguez. “One key factor was the original term of the start-up option license, which was 12 months.  This was clearly insufficient time for our licensees to raise capital or concurrently conduct pre-clinical experiments. The new program provides 24 months, which we believe will better assist our licensees in meeting their obligations.  Other changes will make it easier for our start-up licensees to bring a product to the market.”

NCI's Technology Showcase Returns on June 13, 2018

March 21, 2018

NCI's Technology Showcase, featuring technologies from the National Cancer Institute and the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research available for licensing and/or collaboration, is returning for a second year.  The conference was a such a resounding success in 2017, that it is expanding to a full-day event.  

Date and Location: 

Wednesday, June 13, 2018
8:00am - 5:00pm (time subject to change)
FNLCR Advanced Technology Research Facility
8560 Progress Drive
Frederick, MD 21702 

To learn more, visit the event page: 2018 Technology Showcase

NCI Receives Awards for Excellence in Technology Transfer

March 12, 2018

The Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) for Technology Transfer has recognized three National Cancer Institute accomplishments with Excellence in Technology Transfer Awards. This award category honors employees of FLC member laboratories and non-laboratory staff who have accomplished outstanding work in the process of transferring federally developed technology toward commercialization.

Among the accomplishments being honored are the roles of CCR teams in developing two recently approved anti-cancer drugs and a production method for an anti-HIV microbicide: “Avelumab, New Therapy for Metastatic Merkel Cell and Urothelial Carcinomas,” for a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to expedite the regulatory approval of the checkpoint inhibitor avelumab; “Development of Large Scale Production, Anti-HIV Microbicide in Soya Beans” for the development of a production method of CV-N in soy beans to address the lack of commercially sold HIV microbicides and access to other HIV prevention techniques in developing countries; and “FDA Approval: Personalized Cancer Treatment to Cure Deadly Blood Cancers” for the drug axicabtagene ciloleucel that received FDA approval of CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant large B-cell lymphoma.

The FLC will present a total of 30 awards to 24 laboratories representing 10 federal agencies during the FLC National Meeting on April 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, PA. To learn more about how to partner with NCI researchers, visit the Partnering section of this web site.

Congratulations to NCI’s 2017 FLC-MAR Awardees

December 21, 2017

In November 2017, the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) for Technology Transfer Mid-Atlantic Region (MAR) honored NCI with three awards at its annual meeting. The FLC is a formally chartered organization mandated by Congress to promote, educate and facilitate technology transfer among more than 300 federal laboratories, research centers and agencies. “These awards honor the individuals who work hard to move forward life-saving innovations into products, supporting world health,” commented Dr. Thomas Stackhouse, TTC associate director. 

Congratulations to the following awardees, recognized Nov. 15, 2017:

1. Rookie of the Year Award: "Establishment of the First Federal Technology Transfer Ambassadors Program”

Drs. Alan Alfano, Laura Prestia, and Robert Sons, technology transfer rookies at the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Technology Transfer Center (TTC), established the first federal Technology Transfer Ambassadors Program (TTAP). The TTAP is a year-long, hybrid training/mentoring program for NCI post-doctoral scientists seeking professional and career development about invention development, commercialization, and entrepreneurship.

Awardees:

  • Alan Alfano, Ph.D., NCI, TTC
  • Laura Prestia, Ph.D., NCI, TTC, Invention Development and Marketing Unit (IDMU)
  • Robert Sons, Ph.D., NCI, TTC, IDMU

2. Excellence in Technology Transfer Award: “Avelumab, New Therapy for Metastatic Merkel Cell and Urothelial Carcinomas” 

Through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with EMD Serono, NCI played an instrumental role in developing and expediting regulatory approval of EMD Serono’s checkpoint inhibitor, avelumab. Avelumab received FDA approval in 2017, only four years after EMD Serono and NCI added the study of avelumab to their CRADA. This a remarkably fast developmental and regulatory approval timeline.

Awardees:

  • Andrea B. Apolo, M.D., Investigator and Head of the Bladder Cancer Section, NCI, CCR, Genitourinary Malignancies Branch (GMB)
  • Kevin Brand, J.D., Technology Transfer Manager (TTM), CDC, formerly NCI, TTC
  • Isaac Brownell, MD, Ph.D., Investigator, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), formerly Investigator, Dermatology Branch, NCI, CCR
  • Renee N. Donahue, Ph.D., Staff Scientist, NCI, CCR, LTIB
  • John Greiner, Ph.D., Staff Scientist and Head of Cytokine Group, NCI, CCR, LTIB
  • James Gulley, M.D., Ph.D., NCI, CCR, GMB
  • Ravi A. Madan, M.D., Associate Research Physician and Clinical Director, NCI, CCR, GMB
  • Michael Pollack, Ph.D., Supervisory TTM, NCI, TTC
  • Jeffrey Schlom, Ph.D., Chief, NCI, CCR, LTIB
  • Julius Strauss, M.D., Staff Clinician, NCI, CCR, LTIB

3. Excellence in Technology Transfer Award: “Development of Large Scale Production, Anti-HIV Microbicide in Soya Beans" 

HIV microbicides are not currently sold commercially, and many other HIV prevention techniques remain unavailable or unfeasible in developing countries where the disease is most prevalent. The technology transfer effort of developing large scale production methods of CV-N in soy beans helps to address this issue. The ability to produce CV-N in large quantities at low cost affords researchers the potential to develop effective HIV prevention methods worldwide.

Awardees:

  • Michael R. Boyd, Ph.D., M.D., formerly NCI Chief, Laboratory of Drug Discovery, Research and Development (LDDRD) (retired)
  • Rachel Chikwamba, Ph.D., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR Biosciences)
  • Mike Currens, Ph.D., NCI Developmental Therapeutics Program, formerly NCI TTC
  • Bjarne (BJ) Gabrielsen, Ph.D., formerly NCI TTC (retired)
  • Melissa Maderia, Ph.D., MSM, formerly NCI TTC
  • James B. McMahon, Ph.D., formerly Chief, Molecular Targets Laboratory (MTL), NCI, CCR (retired)
  • Barry R. O’Keefe, Ph.D., Deputy Chief, Molecular Targets Laboratory, NCI, CCR, and Chief, Natural Products Branch, NCI, DCTD, DTP
  • Elíbio Rech, Ph.D., E Genetic Resources department of EMBRAPA

NCI TTC Alerts on GovDelivery

October 23, 2017

On November 1, 2017, the NCI Technology Transfer Center will move to a different email alert system based on GovDeliver. With GovDelivery, you will have the option to receive product-specific alerts--therapeutics, vaccines, devices, diagnostics, software, and/or research tools. 

TTC will not automatically migrate the current mailing list over to GovDelivery. Subscribers to the current listserv system must re-subscribe on NCI's GovDelivery to take advantage of the new system.

Subscribing to GovDelivery is straightforward. Sign in to GovDelivery. The first time you enter the site, you will be asked to provide your email address, then respond to an email confirmation. Upon entering the site a second time, you will have the option of subscribing to other NCI alerts. Once subscribed, you can change or cancel your subscription at any time.

We hope you enjoy GovDelivery !  Feel free to let us know if you are having any difficulties with the site.

2017 Technology Showcase Presentations Now Available

August 29, 2017

The 2017 Technology Showcase highlighted technologies from the NCI and Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) available for collaboration and licensing. Whether you were able to attend the inaugural event in person, or you would like to learn more about the featured technologies featured, the presentations are now available at: 2017 Technology Showcase Presentations

If you would like to learn more about how to:

  • License NIH technologies, including those featured at the Showcase
  • Collaborate with NCI and FNLCR investigators
  • Access the resources available at the Frederick National Lab
  • Tap into the support available from Maryland Technology Development Group (TEDCO), the Frederick Innovative Technology Center (FITCI), the Frederick County Office Economic Development, the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development

Please contact us via email at ncitechtransfer@mail.nih.gov or call 301-624-8775.

SAVE THE DATE! The 2018 Technology Showcase is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 13. 2018.

 

2017 Technology Showcase Draws 200 Plus Attendees

June 9, 2017

Thank you to the more than 200 attendees of the 2017 Technology Showcase. The event provided a great opportunity to learn about NCI and Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) technologies available for collaboration and licensing and to connect with biotechnology professionals across the Maryland/DC region. If you were not able to attend, you can still benefit – and we look forward to seeing you next year.

In the coming weeks, we will post the technology presentations to the event page, 2017TechnologyShowcase. 
Please visit techtransfer.cancer.gov, Frederick.cancer.gov, or contact us at ncitechtransfer@mail.nih.gov to learn about how to:

  • License NIH technologies, including those featured at the Showcase
  • Collaborate with NCI and FNLCR investigators
  • Access the resources available at the Frederick National Lab
  • Tap into the support available from Maryland Technology Development Group (TEDCO), the Frederick Innovative Technology Center (FITCI), the Frederick County Office Economic Development, the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development

Save the date! Join us next year for the 2018 Technology Showcase scheduled for Wednesday, June 13.

The 2017 Technology Showcase, an inaugural, half-day event that will showcase technologies being developed at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) to encourage startup company formation, technology licensing, and collaborations. The Tech Showcase will introduce the Frederick, Maryland community to regional technology development stakeholders, and will highlight available resources. The event will feature short technology summaries presented by NCI and FNLCR innovators, as well as presentations from regional stakeholders involved with technology development and commercialization. An interactive poster session by innovators and technology ambassadors will concurrently occur, and there will be opportunities for networking throughout the event.  

Time: 

June 7, 2017 • 12:30 - 6:00pm

Location: 

NCI Advanced Technology Research Facility
8560 Progress Drive
Frederick, MD 21702 

Who Should Attend:

Prospective investors, established companies, educators, those looking to commercialize technologies, and all interested stakeholders

How to Register:

Please register online at 2017TechnologyShowcase

Event Organizers:

National Cancer Institute • Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research • City of Frederick Department of Economic Development • Frederick County Office of Economic Development • Frederick Innovative Technology Center (FITCI) • Maryland Technology Development Corp. (TEDCO) 

 

 

Avelumab FDA Approval – Result of Studies Conducted Under CRADA with the NCI

April 12, 2017

Researchers at the NCI conducted the first in-human trials of avelumab, an immunotherapy drug that targets the protein programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). The trials were recently published March 31, 2017 in The Lancet Oncology online. The studies provide preliminary evidence that avelumab is safe and can prevent the growth and formation of various advanced solid tumors, including recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These studies were done under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with EMD Serono. EMD Serono and Pfizer are co-developing avelumab, and NCI has a CRADA with each company for avelumab.  Both CRADAs were negotiated by the NCI Technology Transfer Center. To learn more, see “Investigators lead first human trials of new immunotherapy drug.”

TTC Fellowship Openings - Challenging Opportunities, Great Place to Work

February 2, 2017

The NCI Technology Transfer Center (TTC) has fellowship opportunities available to qualified candidates in the fast growing field of technology transfer. This fellowship opportunity combines a science, legal or business background with a new career in technology transfer. The TTC is responsible for negotiating agreements, promoting research partnerships with NCI scientists, and the patenting and licensing of NCI technologies. TTC also has a unit dedicated to marketing and outreach for these research opportunities and their underlying technologies to potential collaborators and licensees. This experience prepares the Fellow for technology transfer positions within universities, industry or the federal government. The TTC has offices in Rockville and Frederick, MD. Applicants should indicate the position(s) and location(s) of interest in their application.  There are current openings for both the Combined and Negotiator Fellowships. 

Technology Transfer Fellowship - Negotiator (Rockville or Frederick, MD Offices)
Candidate will be responsible for:

  • Drafting and negotiating Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) for NCI scientists and their industrial/academic research partners;
  • Drafting and negotiating licenses for NCI technologies;
  • Planning and negotiating Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs) and other technology transfer agreements;
  • Managing patent prosecution of inventions and overseeing patent related issues for NCI scientists;
  • Developing technology transfer educational programs for scientists;
  • Working with the Invention Development and Marketing Unit, researchers and outside parties to help foster commercialization of technologies and collaborative/partnering opportunities;
  • Other duties as pertaining to intellectual property management and technology transfer.

Technology Transfer Fellowship - Combined Negotiator and Marketing (Frederick, MD Office only) 
This fellowship opportunity is designed to develop the unique skills associated with both negotiating technology transfer agreements and marketing a large portfolio. Approximately 50% time will be dedicated to each function.
Candidate will be responsible for: 

  • The Negotiator responsibilities described above;
  • Working on marketing strategies/campaigns and descriptive marketing advertisements to attract research partners, and generating leads for technologies; 
  • Developing comprehensive understanding of technology portfolio in order to serve as subject matter expert;
  • Advising intramural researchers on technology development strategies;
  • Monitoring responses to marketing campaigns and develop business relationships with company business development sources; 
  • Acting as one of the liaisons between the NCI and outside parties requesting additional information on collaborative/partnering opportunities. 

 
Minimum Requirements 
•    An advanced degree in the sciences, law, business, economics, or public health.  All candidates must have a background in the sciences;
•    Have received most current degree within the last 8 years; 
•    U.S. citizen or permanent resident (must hold green card) eligible for citizenship within 4 years; 
•    Excellent writing and speaking skills.   

Stipends are determined by the level of education and number of years of experience post-graduation. Starting stipends for those with no experience are: Master's degree $35,500; Ph.D. $50,800. Starting stipends are higher with relevant work experience in technology transfer and/or additional, applicable degrees. Stipends are paid monthly in arrears. Health benefits are provided. Annual stipend increases may be given on the Fellow's anniversary date. 

To apply: Submit a copy of your resume or CV, a statement of interest explaining why you are interested in the TTC fellowship program, and two letters of recommendation by one of the following: 
E-mail to: kgriffin@mail.nih.gov Fax to: Attention: TTC Fellowship Coordinator (fax# 240-276-5504); or Mail to: Attention: TTC Fellowship Coordinator Technology Transfer Center National Cancer Institute 9609 Medical Center Drive., Rm. 1E530 MSC 9702, Bethesda, MD 20892
DHHS/NIH/NCI are Equal Opportunity Employers.  
 

NCI Scientists Recognized by National Academy of Inventors (NAI) – George Pavlakis and John Schiller Elected to 2016 Fellow Status

December 16, 2016

George N. Pavlakis, M.D., Ph.D., head of NCI’s Vaccine Branch and John T. Schiller, Ph.D., deputy chief of NCI’s Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, were recognized as leaders of academic invention by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) and were elected to NAI Fellow status in December 2016.  Both Dr. Pavlakis and Dr. Schiller have made significant scientific contributions in their respective fields. Dr. Pavlakis “has authored more than 200 publications and is named as an inventor on more than 50 US and International Patents.” Dr. Schiller, along with NCI’s Douglas Lowy, Ph.D., is known for leading “the initial development and characterization of human papillomavirus (HPV) prophylactic vaccines that ultimately became the commercial vaccines Cervarix and Gardasil.” HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and a few types can lead to cervical and other cancers. 

The NCI Technology Transfer Center is proud to continue to support the scientific discovery and invention development efforts for Drs. Pavlakis and Schiller, two of NCI’s leading scientists and prolific inventors. Technologies from their invention portfolios that are available for development through collaboration and/or licensing include:

To learn more about these technologies and others invented by Drs. Pavlakis and Schiller available for development through collaboration and/or licensing, please contact: TTC Invention Development and Marketing.

To learn more the NAI Fellowship announcement, see: National Academy of Inventors Announces 2016 Fellows.

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