A high potential technology platform for differential diagnostics and identification of novel therapeutic candidates offers a method for the detection of antibodies against members of the cardiac receptor family

Short summary A German SME with high expertise in IVD assay development for complex and difficult to detect antibodies has developed a new ELISA-based technology to detect autoantibodies against human adreno- and acetylcholinergic receptors. This technology can be used e.g. for drug candidate screening as well as for diagnostic purposes. They are offering their technology in the framework of a commercial agreement with technical assistance (licence agreement.) or a research and development agreement.

Full description A research driven German SME active in the field of IVD assay development with roots in one of the most respected German medical hospitals is thriving to develop new diagnostic approaches in the area of autoimmune diseases. Their experience focuses on areas with high unmet diagnostic need where they can provide added value to the medical profession. The company has developed a technology platform (in-vitro assay) which is based on the so-called bridge-ELISA having a dual, distinguishable detection label. They are offering their technology to drug developers seeking superior detection methodology in the field of cardiac drug development. The technology is backed by an EU-wide granted method patent. To enable signal transmission in cells the receptors of the so-called ‘cardiac receptor family’ play an essential role in numerous physiological pathways. Adrenergic receptors (particularly α1, α2, β1, β2, β3) and acetylcholinergic receptors (particularly nicotinic and muscarinic) are not only known to regulate the heart function but do trigger further important cellular functions. Accordingly, said receptors are involved in many cardiovascular dysfunctions (e.g. high blood pressure, dilated cardiomyopathy, e.g. Chagas disease), but also glaucoma, chronic fatigue syndrome and dementia. Many of the afore-mentioned disorders are of the autoimmune type where endogenous autoantibodies are key factors in the underlying mechanisms. The identification of antibodies or the studying of antibody binding at complex targets like membrane receptors is a challenging task, especially for autoantibodies. A reliable and high-sensitive method for the investigation of such antibody interaction is a research tool of great value providing many applications in differential diagnostics and the identification of new drugs and/or modulators of such drugs, not only therapeutic antibodies but also small molecules or others. Due to the fact that sensitivity was improved by factor 100, the technology platform provides not only an improved differential diagnostic potential but enables for the first time an improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms thereby studying the interactivity of antibodies and receptors, optionally in the presence of modulators (e.g. potential drug candidates). Thus, the technology that the SME is offering has the potential to open the door for new markets in the range of >1 billion USD. The company is looking for partners that are interested in a commercial agreement with technical assistance. They are interested in selling a license for the use of the technology to companies of all sizes in the field of diagnostic and/or drug development. They are open to non-exclusive license and exclusive licence and they are also interested a research and development cooperation.

Advantages and innovations - Patented technology (granted in EU and Russia) - Adaptable to different assay formats and high-throughput screening - Not easy to copy for competitors (specific know-how) - Numerous targets with respect to patient- and/or disease-specific parameters, resp. patient-targeted treatment - Human and veterinary relevance - High potential in the development of novel therapeutic active agents by improved target information - High potential in the assessment of the toxicological status of therapeutic active agents - Significant reduction of project risks for clinical phases II and III - Ethical improvement by reducing animal models and due to enhanced patient safety - Strengthening corporate governance - High potential for selection inventions on pharmaceutically effective active agents and differential diagnosis
Contact / source: NEXT EEN Widgets (europa.eu)