12/06/2025
This week is Men’s Health Week – a yearly campaign held before Father’s Day to spotlight male health issues.
As patent attorneys, we are always interested in tech so, naturally, we thought we’d mark the occasion by exploring the latest developments in the space. Patent publications provide a means to predict future trends as they are often available before commercial products. The correlation of patent publications and innovation trends highlights the critical role patents play in facilitating the commercial exploitation of inventions. This is especially true in medical and pharmaceutical fields where high R&D costs necessitate equally high return on investment. A well-curated patent portfolio enables companies to secure investment, safeguard their competitive edge, and bring novel therapies and diagnostic tools to market. For healthcare providers and patients alike, this translates into faster access to cutting-edge treatments and a more personalised approach to care.
A longstanding focus of Men’s Health Week has been the fight against prostate cancer, often symbolised by wearing blue ribbons. While this remains a central concern, the initiative has evolved to address a broader spectrum of men’s health challenges. These include rising rates of mental health issues, the elevated risk of suicide among men, higher incidences of workplace injuries, and the role men play in family health dynamics.
As public awareness of men’s health grows, so does investment in innovative therapies. Increasing attention is being paid to testosterone replacement therapies (TRTs) and advanced urological treatments, reflecting a commitment to tackling both acute conditions, such as prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction, and chronic, quality-of-life issues such as hormonal decline, infertility, and urinary disorders.
One area gaining particular attention is hypogonadism, a condition in which the testicles do not produce enough testosterone. Low testosterone can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, reduced muscle mass, loss of body hair, low sex drive, and infertility. It can also have a significant impact on mental health and overall quality of life. Meanwhile, urological conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), erectile dysfunction, and prostate cancer, remain common concerns, particularly for men over the age of 40.
Historically, TRTs have been delivered through basic gels or intramuscular injections, but newer treatments are now being developed that offer more consistent hormone delivery and fewer side effects, such as transdermal patches and oral or nasal gels. Trends in patent filing reflect this innovation as publications relating to testosterone treatment increased from around 4500 new publications in 2011 to over 6000 new publications in 2022.
Innovation in urological therapies is equally robust. Non-invasive or minimally invasive treatments are gaining traction, including water vapour therapy for BPH, MRI-guided prostate biopsies, and robot-assisted surgeries that offer greater precision and reduced recovery time. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the diagnostic landscape. AI-enhanced imaging tools are increasingly being used to detect prostate abnormalities at earlier stages and to assist clinicians in decision-making.
The patent publication trends in urology echo this progress and signal the wide-ranging innovation in diagnostic tools and treatments. For example. there has been a steady increase in patent filings related to urological treatment from around 2500 new publications in 2011 to around 4000 new publications in 2022.
Men’s Health Week reminds us that men’s health is a multifaceted and evolving area of medicine. From urology to hormone therapy to AI-powered diagnostics, the landscape is marked by widespread innovation aimed at improving both acute and chronic patient outcomes, supported by robust research and strategic patenting.
At Reddie & Grose, our specialist cross-disciplinary team is here to help protecting innovation in the healthcare space.
This article is for general information only. Its content is not a statement of the law on any subject and does not constitute advice. Please contact Reddie & Grose LLP for advice before taking any action in reliance on it.
