To support the National Cancer Moonshot initiative, the USPTO
launched the Cancer Moonshot Expedited Examination Pilot Program on
February 1, 2023. The new program replaces the
Cancer Immunotherapy Pilot Program, which expedited examination
for eligible patent applications pertaining to methods of treating
cancer using immunotherapy. The new program is open to a broader
range of patent applications, including those directed to other
treatment modalities and some cancer detection technologies, but
has additional procedural requirements applicants should take note
of.
The National Cancer Moonshot Initiative
The national Cancer Moonshot initiative was created in 2016 and
led by then Vice President Biden. As president, Biden has set a new
goal, according to the White House,
“to cut the death rate from cancer by at least 50% over the
next 25 years, and improve the experience of people and their
families living with and surviving cancer.” According to the
USPTO, the
