The transfer and commercialization of university-developed medical imaging technology: opportunities and problems

The aging US population will increase the demand for cardiovascular care and thereby present opportunities for superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) medical instruments. This paper discusses a university-based attempt to transfer and commercialize technology that potentially could eliminate the technical limitations of SQUID devices and allow their use in typical clinical environments. Based on the experiences thus far, lessons can be drawn for technology transfer of university developed medical technologies. First, universities need to re-examine the issue of the incentives to publish versus the incentives to protect intellectual property. Failure to properly align these incentives is likely to weaken or eliminate the potential for a strong intellectual property position. Second, although a number of technology-transfer strategies are potentially available to universities, three factors are critical in making this selection: (1) the strength of proprietary position; (2) the stage of development; and (3) the breadth of potential applications for the technology. Moreover, university technology-transfer offices need to take a businesslike approach in identifying appropriate technology-transfer strategies that match the technology, the marketplace, and commercialization potential. For universities seeking to commercialize medical technologies it is critical to expand collaborations with medical professionals to validate the clinical application of the technology. Finally, partnerships with medical device companies should be pursued to gain experience in product development.