International Patent (WIPO/WO2026039331)

**What it means:** The WO2026039331 patent published through WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) covers the viral gene therapy approach for MEF2C. "WO" indicates a Patent Cooperation Treaty application, which provides international protection. This patent would be held by the MEF2C Family Foundation or its partner institutions. **Why patents matter:** For a patient advocacy foundation, patents are a way to ensure that the gene therapy developed with their funding stays accessible to patients rather than being licensed exclusively to a pharmaceutical company at an unaffordable price. Patents protect the intellectual property while the foundation retains control over licensing decisions.