‘Life-changing’ medicine researchers face patent action by Health Service
NEW YORK: A hospital network is suing one of its top researchers, claiming ownership of what has been dubbed “life-changing cellular medicine”.
East Metropolitan Health Service claimed it is entitled to patents of the revolutionary technology held by a company linked to star scientist Marian Sturm.
The State-owned agency, which runs Royal Perth Hospital, has named Dr Sturm and her company Isopogen as defendants in a WA Supreme Court action.
Dr Sturm co-developed the medicine while employed by the Department of Health at the agency’s facilities.
The treatment is used to combat autoimmune diseases, including Crohn’s Disease and various lung illnesses.
The legal action also named as defendants former employees Kathryn Shaw and Dawn Driscoll.
It was alleged Ms Shaw and Ms Driscoll breached their contracts with the department as shareholders of Isopogen.
In its Supreme Court action, EMHS claims it commissioned the treatment and Dr Sturm was supposed to create it for the department.
The technology she co-developed is reported to improve the efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cells in clinical trials which could be used to support tissue regeneration in patients.
The groundbreaking technology was registered in Dr Sturm and Isopogen’s name when it was awarded an Australian patent in 2016.
The EMHS claims the renowned researcher has cashed-in on commercial opportunities and licensed-out the invention for use in several clinical trials.
EMHS is seeking financial compensation for the deals struck with the medicine.
The benefits targeted in the legal action include any funds accumulated from sales of the invention, or Dr Sturm’s shares in Isopogen.
EMHS said it would also pursue a declaration that the department owned all rights and interest in the invention and patent.
Ms Shaw co-developed the cellular medicine, according to the writ.