Georgetown University

Conditional Reprogramming: Developed by Dr. Richard Schlegel, Chair and Professor of the Pathology Department at Georgetown, conditional reprogramming is a revolutionary technology that allows researchers to grow both normal and cancerous epithelial cells in a completely new way. Funded partly by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Center for Cell Reprogramming, conditional reprogramming has enabled significant advances in cancer research and personalized medicine.

HPV Vaccine (Gardasil): Key findings by Dr. Richard Schlegel, Dr. A. Bennet Jenson, and Dr. Shin-je Ghim at Georgetown University Medical Center contributed to the development of the first HPV vaccine, Gardasil. This research, funded in part by the NIH, led to several international patents issued to Georgetown. Gardasil, now approved globally, has transformed the prevention of HPV-related cancers and diseases. Georgetown researchers also pioneered the first diagnostic test for HPV, further solidifying the university’s role in combating the virus.

Innovative GI Cancer Treatments: Dr. Jill P. Smith’s research on G-protein coupled receptors, particularly cholecystokinin receptors, has led to new treatments for gastrointestinal cancers. Supported by over 29 NIH and federal grants, her work has resulted in 12 issued patents, many of which are licensed to companies for commercialization.

Gardasil has become a global product, with a profound market impact and the potential to save millions of lives worldwide. Conditional reprogramming technology – patented and exclusively licensed to the company Propagenix, now part of STEMCELL Technologies – is advancing toward commercialization, generating licensing payments and potential royalties. Meanwhile, Georgetown’s innovative gastrointestinal cancer treatments have solidified the university’s reputation as a leader in translating cutting-edge research into patented, commercially viable solutions.

Between 2010 and 2020, Georgetown filed approximately 321 patent applications, averaging 32 patents per year, demonstrating a consistent pipeline of innovative technologies with commercial potential. The university has also established the Office of Technology Commercialization to manage invention disclosures, patenting, and licensing, and to assist Georgetown entrepreneurs in starting their own companies.

Backed by robust federal investments, Georgetown’s cutting-edge research and strong commercialization infrastructure, continue to create new companies, develop notable technologies, and make meaningful advancements in the health care field and beyond.