Nanogen gets two biomarkers patents

One of the patents claims use of immune system modulation to remove proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), while the other, unrelated, patent relates to the isolation and use of a biomarker to diagnose metabolic syndrome.

The patent for AD relates to a therapeutic model wherein the AD autoantibody to human glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) can be targeted with antibodies for removal from serum. The GFAP autoantibody has been demonstrated to bring on the destruction of certain nerve cells called astrocytes, leading to AD. Removal of the GFAP autoantibody eliminates the initiation of astrocyte destruction.

The patent for the metabolic syndrome biomarker, an inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor, covers the steps required to isolate the protein from body fluids such as blood, serum, saliva or urine. The patent also allows the immunological detection of the biomarker. The biomarker may be useful in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, a complex of symptoms including abdominal obesity and high cholesterol that is associated with the development of diabetes and cardiac disease.

“These patents are the result of discoveries that were made in our proteomics research programs,” said Howard Birndorf, Nanogen chairman and CEO. “These intellectual property assets can be leveraged by Nanogen to develop advanced diagnostic products and could be licensed by potential pharma partners who are looking for novel approaches to treat Alzheimer’s disease or metabolic disorders.”