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Introduction
This book, compiled mostly with the joint efforts of Chinese researchers, reflects
the advancement of aptamer science throughout the world. At the beginning most
scientists did not believe that aptamers could be useful generally. The first papers by
Ellington and Tuerk were considered surprising at best. Today aptamer research is
reflected by the international patent activity. There are more than 700 issued aptamer
patents. In the first decade after the 1990 papers, 90% of the patents were issued to
US applicants, with some activity in Europe. During the second decade of aptamer
R&D, the issued European patents grew to about 20% of the total, and Asian patents
began. In the third decade, from 2010 through today, only 60% of the aptamer patents
were issued to US entities, European entities obtained a smaller percentage of the
issued patents (around 10%), and Asian entities received a full quarter of the issued
patents.
The editor of this book identified strong aptamer R&D in China, covering many
of the opportune medical applications. As one of the early advocates for aptamer
research, I anticipate great international collaboration toward medical applications
that better the health and wellness of the world’s citizens.
Larry Gold
SomaLogic
Boulder, CO, USA
Introduction
This book, compiled mostly with the joint efforts of Chinese researchers, reflects
the advancement of aptamer science throughout the world. At the beginning most
scientists did not believe that aptamers could be useful generally. The first papers by
Ellington and Tuerk were considered surprising at best. Today aptamer research is
reflected by the international patent activity. There are more than 700 issued aptamer
patents. In the first decade after the 1990 papers, 90% of the patents were issued to
US applicants, with some activity in Europe. During the second decade of aptamer
R&D, the issued European patents grew to about 20% of the total, and Asian patents
began. In the third decade, from 2010 through today, only 60% of the aptamer patents
were issued to US entities, European entities obtained a smaller percentage of the
issued patents (around 10%), and Asian entities received a full quarter of the issued
patents.
The editor of this book identified strong aptamer R&D in China, covering many
of the opportune medical applications. As one of the early advocates for aptamer
research, I anticipate great international collaboration toward medical applications
that better the health and wellness of the world’s citizens.
Larry Gold
SomaLogic
Boulder, CO, USA