Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers and Treatment Strategies for Multiple Sclerosis

To date, there are no definitive biomarkers to assist clinicians in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) nor are there tools that accurately prodict the future clinical course of disease or the response to treatment among individul patients. Recently, a method that uses chromotographic surfaces to bind and identify proteins in complex mixtures known as Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) has uncovered disease -specific protein expression signatures in clinical samples. This technology now permits the high throughput proteomic screening of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) for the identification of biomarkers specific for multiple sclerosis. JHU scientists have identified a potentially unique biomarker for relapse-remitting MS that may also be a sensitive indicator of recent disease activity. Description (Set) JHU scientists used SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry to determine unique protein expression patterns present in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with multiple sclerosis. These proteins may be useful as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of multiple sclerosis. These newly determined multiple sclerosis specific protein expression patterns meet the clinical need for blood or CSF biomarkers in order to expand MS diagnostic tools. Proposed Use (Set) Currently, the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis is made on clinical grounds alone. These newly discovered biomarkers could be commercialized as diagnostic kits for monitoring disease activity and effect of treatment. These biomarkers are potential therapeutic targets and could be useful in methods to screen therapeutic agents.

Inventor(s): Nath, Avindra

Type of Offer: Licensing



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