Thomas J. Takara, Ph.D.

Thomas helps clients at the vanguard of science to protect their cutting-edge discoveries with strong intellectual property (IP) rights. He works closely with clients —from academic and research institutions to early-stage and established biotechnology companies — to develop and secure strategic IP positions and robust patent portfolios worldwide. He also regularly assists with due diligence for investment and acquisition, including freedom-to-operate and validity analyses.

With extensive and diverse research experience in the areas of cancer biology, immunology, biochemistry, and biophysical chemistry at leading research institutions (including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and Mayo Clinic), Thomas helps ensure that clients obtain meaningful protection in the most complex areas of biotechnology and other life sciences.

Thomas’ technical experience spans a broad range of areas in the life sciences. His special areas of expertise include:

• immuno-oncology therapeutics
• antibody design and development
• molecular diagnostics, including prognostic biomarkers and predictive biomarkers
• vaccines
• virus-based therapeutics

As a scientist, Thomas co-authored original research and review articles in peer-reviewed journals such as The EMBO Journal, Genes & Development, Inorganica Chimica Acta, and Cell.