BioTech IP Review

Assignee: BioLegend, Inc. (San Diego, California, USA)
Patent Number: 12,441,806 B2
Filed: March 22, 2021
Issued: October 14, 2025 
Inventors: Nicole Vivienne Acuff, Anagha Ashok Divekar, Takatoku Oida 

What the Patent Covers

This patent protects compositions and methods involving anti‑TLR9 agents — particularly monoclonal antibodies and antibody fragments that bind to Toll‑like receptor 9 (TLR9), plus related technologies and applications. Specifically, it includes:

• Anti‑TLR9 agents (e.g., monoclonal antibodies, antigen‑binding fragments, and derivatives) capable of binding TLR9. 
• Compositions comprising these agents and optionally detectable markers for assays or diagnostics. 
• Methods of making and using the agents, including production of antibodies and fragments. 
• Diagnostic reagents and kits that include the anti‑TLR9 agents to detect or study TLR9 or TLR9‑expressing cells. 

In practical terms, these technologies cover research and clinical‑relevant tools that recognize TLR9 — a receptor involved in innate immune responses to DNA motifs — and can be used for flow cytometry, immunoassays, cell‑based detection, and other laboratory or potentially diagnostic applications. 

Why This Patent Is Important

• Core product relevance: BioLegend’s business centers on producing high‑quality antibodies and reagents for immunology research and diagnostics, including flow cytometry and cell signaling assays. This patent strengthens proprietary rights over a specific class of reagents (anti‑TLR9), which are widely used in immune‑system research. 
• Broad utility: Anti‑TLR9 antibodies have applications in basic research on innate immunity, autoimmune disease studies, and potentially clinical diagnostics — expanding the patent’s commercial relevance.
• Competitive differentiation: Exclusive rights to these antibodies and related methods can help BioLegend protect market share against rivals developing similar reagents.
• Long term protection: The underlying patent family extends protection for this technology well into the 2030s, underpinning ongoing reagent sales and new kit development.