Seventh Sense Biosystems Granted Additional Patents for Blood Collection System

Seventh Sense Biosystems Inc. (7SBio) keeps accumulating patents.

The company recently was granted two patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its TAP blood collection system; the additions bring 7SBio’s total number of patents to six. 

The latest patents cover specific design features associated with delivering less pain than a ‘finger stick’; and reporting/interfacing with external information systems using the TAP device in conjunction with patient compliance and prescription therapeutic monitoring. Coupled with previously issued patents which cover collection of any volume of blood and the use of microneedles, microfluidics and a vacuum to cause blood flow, these patent allowances will confer additional protection for 7SBio’s proprietary Touch Activated Phlebotomy (TAP) technology platform.

“The ongoing validation of our innovative platform through the U.S. patent system continues to be a source of momentum for Seventh Sense and we anticipate more issuances in the near future as we progress towards the commercialization of the TAP platform of blood collection and diagnostic tools,” said Howard Weisman, CEO at 7SBio. “Non-compliance of patients who are fearful of pain or large needles associated with blood tests is an important, unaddressed problem which our products solve in a meaningful way. With the crossing of each new milestone, an essentially pain-free, easy-to-use and mobile solution is closer to reality.”

TAP is a proprietary platform that draws capillary blood in a painless, one-step process without having to access a vein, and it can be utilized across and integrated with a broad spectrum of diagnostic applications, according to 7SBio. The TAP system penetrates the uppermost layers of skin through the use of micro-needles, collects capillary blood using a microfluidic extraction process, and stabilizes the blood with anticoagulant if required. The device has a visual indicator to confirm that collection is complete. The TAP platform is designed for fully automated, high throughput manufacturing.

“Unlike companies that are developing proprietary systems that miniaturize the process of blood collection and analysis for clinicians only, 7SBio is developing an open, ubiquitous platform that can interface with many systems and be used by patients and health care providers alike,” said Weisman. “We’re working with the US Patent and Trademark Office and the [U.S.] FDA [Food and Drug Administration] to ensure the efficacy, safety and intellectual property rights of the TAP platform in all its forms and uses.”

Founded in 2008, Seventh Sense Biosystems is developing an array of products based on the company’s proprietary TAP (Touch Activated Phlebotomy) painless blood collection platform. The Cambridge, Mass.-based company’s initial focus is on improving important diagnostic testing at the point of care by reducing the discomfort, anxiety and hassle of blood sample collection. 7SBio receives funding from investors Flagship Venture Partners, Lighthouse Capital Partners, and Polaris Partners.