Mass Spectrometric Kit and Methods for Quantifying NPY 1-36 and NPY 3-36

Categories: “Medical and Research Devices“

Reference #: 2010-047

OTC Contact: Sharon E. Pula, Esq. (Directory Information | Send a Message)

Description

A kit for and methods of detecting the presence or amount of NPY 1-36 or NPY 3-36 in a sample using mass spectrometry

Applications

• A Kit and efficient mass spectrometric method for the independent and simultaneous quantitation of NPY1-36 and NPY 3-36 in a sample at physiologically relevant concentrations
• Both NPY 1-36 and NPY 3-36 can be quantified simultaneously, separately, and independently in a sample that contains both peptides
• NPY 1-36 quantification is an important diagnostic in patients suffering from hypertension, stress and cardiovascular disease
• The angiogenic properties of NPY 3-36 make it important in oncology and its quantification can be an indication of tumor formation, growth and metastasis

Advantages

• This method unconventionally allows the independent yet simultaneous quantification of NPY 1-36 and NPY 3-36 respectively
• Method provides enhanced specificity and excellent sensitivity with limits of quantitation of about 0.1 ng/ml and are accomplished with less sample preparation than required in other assays for NPY.
• Quantitative approach that allows greater degree of diagnostic certainty.
• No cross-reactivity with NPY fragments as with current immunoassays

Background

Suboptimal levels of NPY fragments can indicate several maladies. NPY 1-36 is a fragment that has been linked to heart ailments, stress and hypertension, while NPY 3-36 may play a role in various cancer pathways. Though current assays such as ELISA can indicate the presence of NPY fragments, they fail to quantify and distinguish them, leading to results that do not provide a clear diagnostic picture. Efficient mass spectrometric techniques for the independent quantification of NPY 1-36 and NPY 3-36 at physiologically relevant concentration have been unavailable prior to this invention.

In the present invention, researchers at Georgetown University have demonstrated the value of mass spectrometry for quantifying and distinguishing NPY fragments, illuminating their utility as accurate diagnostic tools.

Stage of Development

Reduced to practice and tested

Inventors

Steven J. Soldin

Patent Status

U.S patent issued – US 9,269,550 B2