Tamera M.Weisser Ph.D. (Tammy)

Partner

San Diego + 1.858.314.1181

Named an "IP Trailblazer" by The National Law Journal, Dr. Tamera (Tammy) Weisser is leader of Jones Day's global patent prosecution group and has more than 25 years of experience in global patent portfolio development, management, and enforcement in biotechnology, particularly in the areas of antibodies, cell therapies, gene therapies, and diagnostics. Her practice also includes performing patent validity and freedom-to-operate analyses and conducting due diligence of patent portfolios for clients, including potential investors, acquirers, and licensees.

On behalf of BioMarin, she established a worldwide patent portfolio for Palynziq®, an FDA-approved enzyme replacement therapy for phenylketonuria treatment. On behalf of NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Tammy coordinates the global patent strategy concerning aldafermin in clinical trials for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), as well as the therapeutic antibodies NGM707, NGM831, and NGM438 for the treatment of cancers and tumors. She has developed IP strategies for dozens of antibody therapeutics for clients, including AbbVie, Astellas/Agensys, BMS/Celgene, Kyowa Kirin, Merck & Co., and Xencor. Commercial products for which Tammy has experience include Carvykti®, Embosphere®, Humira®, Kynamro®, Otezla®, Palynziq®, Pomalyst®, Revlimid®, and Synagis®.

In addition, Tammy has in-depth experience in inter partes review (IPR) proceedings. For example, she successfully defended AbbVie in two IPRs brought by Amgen, five IPRs brought by Coherus, and another IPR brought by Sandoz in connection with patents related to formulations for AbbVie's antibody adalimumab, marketed as Humira®, in which the PTAB denied institution of each petition.

Most recently, Tammy served on the board of governors of BIOCOM, and she is consistently recognized as a top lawyer and for her leadership and contribution within the community.

Experience

  • Merck Animal Health develops global patent portfolios for various veterinary pharmaceuticals and biologics, vaccines, and other health management solutionsJones Day is representing Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., and the global animal health business of Merck, in developing global patent portfolios related to a wide variety of veterinary pharmaceuticals and biologicals, vaccines, and other health management solutions used to preserve and improve the health, well-being, and performance of animals, including companion animals, ruminants, horses, poultry, and swine.
  • AbbVie develops patent portfolio related to BCMA x CD3 bispecific antibodiesJones Day is representing AbbVie Inc. in connection with the development of a global patent portfolio related to a BCMA x CD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibody that is being studied in clinical trials.
  • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center defeats IPR petition brought by Miltenyi Biomedicine GmbHJones Day represented patent owner Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, on behalf of exclusive licensee Bristol Myers Squibb, in successfully defeating a patent challenge in an inter partes review (IPR) proceeding brought by petitioners Miltenyi Biomedicine GmbH and Miltenyi Biotec Inc. ("Miltenyi") in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).
  • METiS Pharmaceuticals develops global patent portfolios related to lipid nanoparticles for mRNA-based gene therapiesJones Day is representing METiS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in connection with the establishment of global patent portfolios related to lipid nanoparticles (LNP) and uses thereof in various mRNA-based gene therapies.
  • Bambusa Therapeutics develops global patent portfolios for bispecific antibodies to treat immunological and inflammatory disordersJones Day represents Bambusa Therapeutics, Inc. in developing global patent portfolios related to various bispecific antibodies for the treatment of immunological and inflammatory (I&I) disorders.
  • Laekna develops global patent portfolios related to various antibody and small molecule drug therapiesJones Day is representing Laekna, Inc. in connection with the development of global patent portfolios related to novel therapeutic antibody and small molecule drug candidates for use in the treatment of various disorders, including cancer, liver fibrosis, and metabolic diseases.
  • NGM Bio develops global patent portfolio for therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of cancer and tumorsJones Day represents NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. in the development of a global patent portfolio for therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of cancer and tumors, including NGM707, a dual ILT2/ILT4 antagonist antibody; NGM831, an ILT3 antagonist antibody; and NGM438, a LAIR1 antagonist antibody.
  • Engage Bio develops global patent portfolio related to mRNA-encoded multi-specific binding moleculesJones Day is representing Engage Biologics, Inc. in connection with the development of a global patent portfolio related to methods of treating disease using mRNAs that encode certain multi-specific binding molecules.
  • VasoRx develops patent portfolios relating to lipid nanoparticles for RNA-based therapiesJones Day is representing VasoRx, Inc. in connection with the development of patent portfolios relating lipid nanoparticles (LNP) and their use in the delivery of RNA-based therapeutics (e.g., RNAi, siRNA and miRNA) to endothelial cells for the treatment of vascular disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
  • VST Bio establishes global patent portfolios related to anti-syndecan-2 antibodies for the treatment of diseases related to vascular permeabilityJones Day is representing VST Bio Corp. in connection with the establishment of a global patent portfolio related to antibodies that target syndecan-2 and uses thereof in the treatment of diseases related to vascular permeability and leakage, including ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction.
  • Exegenesis Bio establishes global patent portfolio related to AAV-based gene therapiesJones Day is representing Exegenesis Bio in connection with the establishment of global patent portfolios related to AAV-based gene therapies for treating central nervous system (CNS), ocular and liver related diseases.
  • Cell Science Systems develops global patent portfolio for allergen sensitivity detection methodsJones Day is representing Cell Science Systems Corp. in connection with the development of a global patent portfolio related to fluorometric methods and diagnostic assays for the detection of allergic sensitivities to environmental, foodstuff and medicament allergens.
  • Suzhou Abogen Biosciences establishes global patent portfolios for mRNA-based vaccines and nano-delivery platform technologiesJones Day represents Suzhou Abogen Biosciences Co., Ltd. in the establishment and prosecution of global patent portfolios related to mRNA-based vaccines for infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, as well as nano-delivery platform technologies.
  • Astellas and Agensys prosecute patent portfolios for novel monoclonal antibody and antibody-drug conjugate immunotherapeutics useful for certain cancer treatmentsJones Day represents Astellas Pharma Inc. and its subsidiary Agensys, Inc. in prosecuting their worldwide patent portfolios related to novel monoclonal antibody and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) immunotherapeutics for use in the treatment of a variety of cancer indications, including PADCEV®, an ADC approved by the FDA in 2019 for the treatment of metastatic bladder cancer.
  • Xencor develops patent portfolios for various XmAb® cytokine and bispecific antibodies and uses thereofJones Day represents Xencor, Inc. in developing global patent portfolios related to various XmAb® cytokine and bispecific antibody clinical candidates and uses thereof for the treatment of cancer and other disorders.
  • Merck develops global patent portfolio related to certain antibodies for treatment of cognitive disordersJones Day is representing Merck & Co., Inc. in the development and prosecution of global patent portfolios related to certain antibodies that are being developed for the treatment and prevention of various cognitive disorders.
  • Merck develops global patent portfolio related to certain bispecific antibodiesJones Day is representing Merck & Co., Inc. in the development and prosecution of a global patent portfolio related to certain bispecific antibodies.
  • Burning Rock establishes global patent portfolio for NGS-related diagnostics and precision oncologyJones Day represents Burning Rock in the development and prosecution of global patent portfolios related to next generation sequencing (NGS) technology for diagnostic and of precision oncology.
  • Nanjing Legend Biotech establishes global patent portfolio for CAR-T therapeuticsJones Day represents Nanjing Legend Biotech Co., Ltd et al in the development and prosecution of global patent portfolios related to chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) and other cellular therapeutics, including CARVYKTI ® and other clinical trial candidates.
  • AbbVie develops patent portfolio related to adalimumab formulationsJones Day is representing AbbVie Inc. in connection with the development of global patent portfolios related to formulations for AbbVie's antibody adalimumab, marketed as HUMIRA®.
  • Celgene develops global patent portfolio for agonistic anti-PD1 antibody therapeuticsJones Day represents Celgene Corporation in the establishment of a global patent portfolio related to agonistic anti-PD1 therapeutic antibodies.
  • AbbVie develops patent portfolio related to anti-CD71 Probody™ Drug ConjugatesJones Day is representing AbbVie Inc. in connection with the development of a global patent portfolio related to Probody™ Drug Conjugates against CD71, also known as transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1).
  • Allergan defends JUVEDERM® patents against nine IPR petitions filed by ProlleniumJones Day is representing Allergan, Inc. before the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board ("PTAB") on nine IPR petitions filed by Prollenium challenging multiple patents covering certain of Allergan's JUVEDERM® products, hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers that include the anesthetic lidocaine.
  • Bellicum Pharmaceuticals establishes global patent portfolio related to CAR-T and other cellular immunotherapiesJones Day is representing Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in the development and prosecution of global patent portfolios related to cellular immuno-oncology (IO) and immunotherapies, including BPX-601 (PSCA CAR-T) and BPX-603 (Her2 CAR-T) clinical candidates utilizing the Bellicum’s proprietary GoCAR™ technology.
  • Celgene acquires Juno Therapeutics for $9 billionOn behalf of Celgene Corporation, Jones Day conducted a large-scale intellectual property due diligence review and evaluation of matters related to its definitive merger agreement and acquisition of Juno Therapeutics for approximately $9 billion, including Juno’s technology related to CAR-T and TCR cellular immunotherapeutics for use in oncology and other indications.
  • AbbVie prevails in Sandoz IPR challenge of HUMIRA® formulation patentJones Day served as lead counsel and successfully defended AbbVie in connection with an inter partes review (IPR) petition filed by Sandoz, Inc. against U.S. Patent No. 8,802,100, which is related to formulations for AbbVie's antibody adalimumab, marketed as HUMIRA®.
  • AbbVie successfully defends HUMIRA® formulation patent against four IPR petitions filed by CoherusJones Day served as lead counsel and successfully defended AbbVie in connection with four (4) separate inter partes review (IPR) petitions brought by Coherus Biosciences, Inc. against U.S. Patent No. 9,085,619, which is related to formulations for AbbVie's antibody adalimumab, marketed as HUMIRA®.
  • AbbVie defeats IPR petition filed by Coherus challenging Humira®Jones Day successfully defended AbbVie Inc. in connection with an IPR petition brought by Coherus Biosciences, Inc. against U.S. Patent No. 9,114,166, which is directed to formulations for AbbVie's antibody therapeutic Humira®.
  • AbbVie successfully faces off with Amgen in patent interference involving buffer-free antibody formulationsJones Day represented AbbVie, Inc. in a patent interference against Amgen, Inc. before the PTAB involving the parties' applications/patents generally related to buffer-free antibody formulations, including formulations to adalimumab, marketed as HUMIRA®.
  • AbbVie successfully defends patents related to HUMIRA® against IPR petitions filed by AmgenJones Day served as co-counsel in the successful defense of AbbVie Inc. in two IPRs brought by Amgen in connection with U.S. Patent Nos. 8,916,157 and 8,916,158 related to AbbVie's blockbuster antibody therapeutic, HUMIRA®.
  • Additional Publications

    • 2001
      Th1 genetic adjuvants modulate immune responses in neonates, Vaccine. 19(13-14): 1764-1771
    • 2000
      DNA vaccines: Basic studies and applications, Advances in Virus Research, K. Maramorosch, F. Murphy, and A. Shatkin eds., Academic Press, New York, NY. 1-74
    • 2000
      DNA vaccines for influenza virus: Differential effects of maternal antibody on immune responses to hemagglutinin and nucleoprotein, J. Virol., 74(17)7787-7793
    • 2000
      Characterization of immune responses following neonatal DNA immunization, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Doctoral Thesis
    • 1999
      Studies on antibody responses following neonatal immunization with influenza hemagglutinin DNA or protein, Virology, 257(2):406-414
    • 1998
      Nucleic acid immunizations, in Current Protocols in Immunology, R. Coico ed., John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY. 2.14.1-2.14.19
    • 1996
      Influenza nucleoprotein-specific immunoglobulin G subclass and cytokine responses elicited by DNA vaccination are dependent on the route of vector DNA delivery, J. Virol, 70(9):6119-6125
    • 1995
      Gene gun-based nucleic acid immunization: Elicitation of humoral and cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses following epidermal delivery of nanogram quantities of DNA, Vaccine, 13(15):1427-1430
    • 1994
      Accell® particle-mediated DNA immunization elicits humoral, cytotoxic, and protective immune responses, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses, 10 Suppl. 2:S43-S45

    Additional Speaking Engagements

    • May 9, 2024
      Strategic Considerations For Biologics Patent Portfolio Development & Enforcement, CLE Presentation
    • September 7, 2022
      Antibody Patenting Strategies, Presentation
    • May 20, 2021
      Diversity & Inclusion in the Legal Profession, CLE Presentation
    • June 2, 2020
      Re-starting In The New Bioeconomy: What IPO And Alliance Data Tell Us, 2020 BIO International Convention
    • May 11, 2020
      Strategic Legal Considerations for Development and Enforcement of Biologic Formulation Patent Portfolios, CLE Presentation
    • March 3, 2020
      Protecting Your Patents: Preparing for IPRs and Hatch-Waxman Litigation, Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) CLE Presentation
    • February 10, 2020
      Life Sciences Global Patent Legal Developments & Strategy, CLE Presentation
    • October 21, 2019
      Key Developments Relating to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) for the Life Sciences Industry, Webinar Presentation
    • March 21, 2019
      Antibody Patenting Strategies, CLE Presentation
    • April 13, 2018
      Update on Biosimilar Litigation: Beginning to Unwrap the "Riddle Wrapped in a Mystery Inside an Enigma," CLE Presentation
    • April 5, 2018
      Strategies for Patent Portfolio Development in the Life Sciences Industry, CLE Presentation
    • January 30, 2018
      PD1 & PCSK9 Antibodies: Recent Developments in Patent Disputes, Presentation
    • January 29, 2018
      Antibody IP Portfolio Development, Management and Enforcement, Presentation
    • January 27, 2018
      Patenting Strategies for Immuno-oncology Companies, Presentation
    • October 5, 2016
      Professional Advancement: How to Make the Ask, Lawyers Club of San Diego
    • October 3, 2016
      Intellectual Property 101: Introduction to Patents and Technology Transfer in Industry and Academic Settings, Association for Women in Science
    • June 10, 2015
      The Scientist Magazine, Virtual Career Expo: Law & Regulatory Affairs, Webinar
    • March 21, 2015
      PhD STEM Career Symposium: Intellectual Property Law, Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute
    • August 26, 2014
      University of San Diego School of Law Diversity Reception
    • May 19, 2014
      VIP Mentor Panel, 29th Annual California Women's Conference
    • March 1, 2014
      PhD STEM Career Symposium: Intellectual Property Law, Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute
    • February 5, 2013
      Jones Day San Diego sponsors and hosts Lawyers' Club Work/Life Balance CLE program
    • February 4, 2013
      Jones Day San Francisco sponsors and hosts the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) "Strategy Sessions" seminar
    • October 4, 2012
      Jones Day Hosts California Client Development Event for Women
    • June 4, 2012
      AWIS Strategy Session, Professional Development Seminar
    • May 19, 2012
      Ph.D. Career Conference Panel Discussion, University of California San Diego
    • March 26, 2012
      IP Law Career Panel Discussion, University of San Diego School of Law
    • August 2, 2011
      Jones Day hosts Lawyers Club Work/Life Balance Lunch CLE Program in San Diego
    • August 1, 2011
      Jones Day hosts Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Strategy Session in San Diego
    • June 15, 2011
      Intellectual Property and Next Generation Sequencing, CLE presentation
    • June 7, 2011
      Jones Day hosts Lawyers Club Work/Life Balance Lunch CLE Program in San Diego
    • June 6, 2011
      Jones Day hosts Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Strategy Session in San Diego
    • May 14, 2011
      AWIS Women in Science and Technology Conference: Patent Law, Salk Institute for Biological Studies
    • May 2, 2011
      Introduction to Patent Law: Stem Cell Patents, California Polytechnic State University
    • May 2011
      Women in Science and Technology (WIST) conference
    • April 4, 2011
      Association for Women in Science (AWIS) bi-monthly Strategy Sessions
    • November 18, 2010
      Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Alternative Careers Panel Discussion: Patent Law
    • May 10, 2010
      Introduction to Patent Law: Patenting Stem Cells, California Polytechnic State University
    • March 11, 2010
      Introduction to Patent Law, San Diego State University
    • August 12, 2009
      Patents 101, Licensing and Exhaustion, CLE presentation