Innovation and Technology Transfer Office.

The mission of the Weizmann Institute’s Innovation and Technology Transfer Office is to secure and protect the Weizmann Institute’s intellectual property, by identifying, evaluating and supporting the scientific breakthroughs achieved by the Institute. In doing so, the discoveries made by the Weizmann Institute can contribute to the creation of new technologies developed for the benefit of humanity.

Yeda Research & Development.

In a recent interview, Dr. Opher Shapira, CEO of Yeda Research and Development (the Weizmann Institute of Science’s technology transfer arm), discussed adapting the company’s pioneering commercialization model to a post-pandemic global economy. He highlighted the challenge of joining during the pandemic, shifting to Zoom-based operations, and the core mission of transforming academic ideas into market-ready products.

Key insights from the interview with Dr. Opher Shapira include:
  • Adaptation: The traditional Yeda model needed updates to stay relevant in a rapidly changing global economy.
  • Challenges: The transition to remote work and digital communication (Zoom) replaced traditional face-to-face networking and meetings.
  • Mission: Yeda’s primary focus remains commercializing intellectual property developed by scientists.
The interview reflects on navigating leadership in the tech transfer sector during significant economic disruption.

Yeda Research & Development

Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd. is the commercial arm of the Weizmann Institute of Science. Yeda holds an exclusive agreement with the Weizmann Institute to commercialize the unique intellectual property developed by the scientists. The income generated serves to support further basic research and science education.

Yeda Research and Development Company, the commercial arm of the Weizmann Institute of Science, generates substantial revenue—exceeding $2+ billion over a recent six-year period—primarily from pharmaceutical patents. These royalties, largely from drugs like Copaxone and Rebif, support further research, with significant portions distributed to the scientists involved.
Key Aspects of Yeda’s Royalty Generation
  • Major Income Sources: 80-90% of royalties stem from three primary inventions: the multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone (manufactured by Teva), Rebif (Serono), and an encryption system for satellite broadcasts (NDS).
  • Revenue Scale: Yeda consistently ranks among the top five academic institutions worldwide for royalty income. The institute has recorded over NIS 1 billion in royalties, with annual incomes often exceeding million.
  • Distribution Model: Yeda generally passes about 40% of royalties to the scientists responsible for the research, while the remainder is reinvested into the Institute for further research.
  • Significant Deals: A legal settlement with ImClone Systems/Sanofi-Aventis brought in over
    million in 2007, alongside future royalties for the cancer drug Erbitux.
Role of Yeda
  • Technology Transfer: Established in 1959, Yeda holds exclusive rights to commercialize intellectual property developed at the Weizmann Institute.
  • Industry Collaboration: The company works to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application.
Legal and Financial Context
  • As a public academic institution, the Weizmann Institute is generally exempt from taxes on these royalties, although reports have indicated inconsistencies in how royalties were reported to tax authorities.
  • The high income highlights the institute’s success in commercialization, often exceeding that of much larger universities in the US and Europe.

Copaxone ®.

The first innovative drug to be developed in Israel and to receive FDA approval, Copaxone® is a unique multiple sclerosis immunomodulator: the first and only non-interferon agent for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.  Copaxone® is licensed to Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

  • Indicated for Multiple Sclerosis COPAXONE represents a new class of drugs for the treatment of the disease.
  • Copaxone is a synthetic copolymer acting as an immunomodulator.
  • 1971: First Patent filed by Yeda.
  • 1987: Licensed to Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Inventors of Copaxone are Prof. Ruth Arnon, Prof. Michael Sela and Dr. Dvora Teitelbaum

Erbitux®.

An antibody based therapy presenting synergism with conventional chemotherapy. The synergistic effect was invented at the Weizmann Institute. Erbitux was developed by ImClone Systems and approved by the FDA in 2001.

Erbitux is an antibody based therapy presenting synergism with conventional chemotherapy.

  • The synergistic effect was invented by Prof. Sela’s group at WIS between 1987-88.
  • Erbitux was developed by ImClone Systems & approved by the FDA in 2001.
  • Ongoing phase III studies in several new indications (e.g. CRC, SCCHN, NSCLC)

RSA Algorithm.

RSA Algorithm for Secured Transactions

The RSA algorithm is used worldwide to secure Internet, banking and credit card transactions. An additional algorithm developed by Prof. Shamir and colleagues led to the development of the smart cards used in TV satellite receivers to ensure that only subscribers receive broadcasts.

https://www.yedarnd.com/spinoffs
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