Novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for multisystem inflammatory syndrome and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection

Schematic representation of how the proposed biomarkers can improve the diagnosis and treatment of MIS-C and COVID-19

Invention Summary:

Disease prognosis of COVID-19 has largely been influenced by multiorgan involvement. Specifically, the multiorgan involvement of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) prompts a critical need for timely, accurate disease diagnosis and prognosis.

Rutgers researchers have used proteomics to expand a previous list of biomarkers for MIS-C and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Proteomics analysis of 17 MIS-C patients and 20 severe COVID-19 patients resulted in a list of 15 proteins of interest. These biomarkers are associated with severe infection leading to systemic organ damage or sepsis. Detecting these biomarkers is suggested to increase the accuracy and speed of diagnosis, allow for earlier therapeutic intervention, and better predict the risk of secondary infection. In total, the categorical detection of these biomarkers can lead to improved assessment of disease severity and better patient outcomes. 

Market Applications:

• Diagnostic/prognostic semiquantitative plasma biomarker detection in children suspected to have MIS-C at emergency evaluation
• Prognostic risk assessment for secondary infection 

Advantages:

• Non-invasive detection method
• Surrogate markers of viral persistence
• Requires less sensitive measurement
• Affordable
• Amenable to common immunoassay formats

Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional patent application filed, patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships contact marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu.