BOSTON – The University of Massachusetts has topped a list of biotechnology-patent recipients in Massachusetts over the past four years.

According to an analysis by the Boston Business Journal, UMass has received 74 biotech patents during that time, outpacing all hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and other universities.

“Our ranking is testament to the intellectual firepower on all five UMass campuses and the inventive and entrepreneurial spirit that infuses the work in our classrooms, clinics and laboratories,’’ said UMass President Robert L. Caret. “For those of us who work here, it is vivid illustration of what we already know – and that is we continue to play a major role in improving the quality of life in Massachusetts and around the world,” Caret added. Four other Massachusetts schools made the top 25. They are MIT, Harvard, Tufts and Boston University. •