Rapid Anthrax Diagnosis & Treatment (BIDMC 1136)

Category:    Diagnostics/Biomarkers

KeyWords:  Vascular/Thrombosis;  Inflammation;  

BIDMC ID:    1136

Abstract:

DISCOVERY: Levels of Angiopoietin-2 rise rapidly and in a dose-dependent fashion within 2 hrs after exposure to the Anthrax pathogen . BACKGROUND: With the ongoing threat of bioterrorism, there is a need for rapid detection of Anthrax to protect our military personnel as well as civilians (as evidenced by the bioterrorism-related outbreak in 2001). Early identification of the highly infectious Anthrax is critical for determining quarantine and treatment decisions. Mortality from anthrax exposure arises from complications related to vascular injury. Angiopoietins (Ang) are secreted proteins that regulate vascular permeability. In particular, elevated levels of Ang-2 are associated with inflammation and vascular leak.

Inventor:   Samir Parikh, M.D.

Commercial Opportunity:

Rapid diagnosis of systemic Anthrax (and possibly other hemorrhagic infections such as Dengue, Ebola , Marburg or Hanta) Staging of disease severity Therapy by blockading Ang-2 function

Competitive Advantages:

Minimally invasive blood tests are key to making rapid analysis/decisions especially in a combat setting where X-rays and blood cultures are not easily performed.

Related Publications:

State of Development:

Early stage discovery in baboon models

Next Steps:

    -Development of rapid assays for Ang-2    
      blood levels
    -Pre-clinical studies of Ang-2 therapies

Related Technology URL:

http://research.bidmc.harvard.edu/research/ResearchPIInfo.ASP?Submit=Display&PersonID=7515

Patent Status:

US Provisional Patent Filed
Opportunities for Licensing Available
Seeking Sponsored Research or other Commercialization Partnership

TVO Contact Info:
     Christine Jost
     Associate Director TVO
     cjost@bidmc.harvard.edu
     Phone: 617-667-4239   Fax: 617-667-0646

     Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
     Technology Ventures Office  Room: BR-0200
     330 Brookline Avenue
     Boston, MA 02215