Nanosphere Inc., of Northbrook, Ill., received U.S. Patent No. 6,974,669, covering its Biobarcode technology, which enables the detection of proteins in specimens with sensitivity several orders of magnitude greater than is possible with current technologies.

NovaDel Pharma Inc., of Flemington, N.J., received U.S. Patent Nos. 6,969,508 and 6,977,070, covering the use of multiple classes of drugs in oral sprays, including those for the treatment of pain and central nervous system disorders, and for anesthesia.

OncoMed Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Mountain View, Calif., was granted U.S. Patent No. 6,984,522, titled "Isolation and Use of Solid Tumor Stem Cells," covering the isolation of cells from breast, pancreas, lung and colon cancers.