Market Need
In order to understand the role of the molecular signalling events of the immune system it is essential to monitor the concentration of localized pro-inflammatory cytokines in key anatomical compartments repeatedly over time.
Cytokines are the small proteins secreted from cells. They are indicators of the functional status of the human immune system and the biomarkers for many diseases.
Certain pro-inflammatory cytokines are known to be involved in the process ranging from infection defence, to cancer to pathological pain.
The Technology
Collaborators through the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics have developed a functionalised fibre probe, for in vivo chemical sensing of biological materials in the body. The device can be inserted into an ultrathin catheter for localised measurements, which are quantified by a fluorescence ELISA based meter.
Beyond cytokine measurements, the probe can measure growth factors, antibodies or cell surface antigens. Integration into catheter devices will enable the probe to be used in various regions of the body, including spinal cord, reproductive tract, urethra, fallopian tube, GI tract, or other area subject to surgery.
This technology offers the potential to understand the mechanisms underlying Manu immune signalling dependent disease states. It can be used as a diagnostic tool, and for therapeutic optimisation, to quantify dose effect relationships during drug trials. We believe this tool has the potential to form an essential part of all therapeutic trials, to support regulatory approvals by providing real time, in vivo measurements.
IP Position
This technology is protected under USA patent filing WO 2017/100823 with priority date 18 December 2015.
Opportunities for partnering
We are seeking scientific and industry collaborators to test our probe in existing pre clinical and large animal studies, to develop additional validation data.
In the medium term, we will be looking at pursuing a regulatory development plan to have this device approved for use in human clinical trials.