Description:
Researchers at
Princeton University have developed a novel assay for pancreatic pathology which
is expected to be far superior to the conventional assay based on amylase.
Princeton is seeking industrial collaborators to commercialize the
technology.
The technology is an
improved procedure for measuring serum levels of Carboxypeptidase A. It is
therefore a significantly more reliable assay of pancreatic pathology than the
conventional assay for amylase since the pancreas is the only source of CPA in
serum.
Moreover, the method
allows for the measuring of levels of pro-Carboxypeptidase A by specifically
activating pro-CPA while leaving levels of CPA unaffected. These improvements
will provide a diagnostic tool superior to amylase determination, and will be
invaluable in diagnosing pancreatic disease.
The following chart
compares the traditional amylase assay with the Princeton assay as
follows:
|
Disadvantages
of Traditional Amylase Assay |
Advantages of
Princeton Assay Based on Carboxypeptidase A |
|
1. High
background limits sensitivity |
1. Extremely
low background |
|
2. 40% of serum
amylase is of pancreatic origin |
2. Exclusive
production by pancreas |
|
3. No
correlation with the severity of the disease |
3. Low
molecular weight assures that it will be a current reporter of the status
of the pancreas |
|
4. Many false
positives |
4. No serpin in
serum |
5. Huge dynamic range
0.07 to 300 U/L
Patent protection is
pending.
For more information
please contact:
John F. Ritter
Associate Director
Office of Technology and Trademark Licensing
Princeton University
5
New South Building
Princeton, NJ 08544-0036
(609) 258-1570
(609) 258-1159 fax
jritter@princeton.edu