Development of a Pediatric Tuberculosis Diagnostic Test

Background:

The inadequate sensitivity of available organism-based TB diagnostic tools in children, the wide spectrum of disease observed in children, and the non-specific signs and symptoms especially in young and HIV-children, contribute to diagnostic delay and missed opportunities to detect childhood TB.

Technology Overview:

Researchers at Stony Brook have identified changes in a serum lipoprotein that result from a combination of host and TB pathogen activity. The MTB-modified lipoprotein (TLP) is thereby a more specific diagnostic marker for TB disease than the conventional host markers. Development of antibodies against the TLP marker enables the production of a simple in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) assay for pediatric tuberculosis using as finger-prick blood or serum.

Advantages:

Non-sputum based diagnostic ELISA test - Novel marker - Novel antibodies to TLP

Applications:

Diagnostic test for pediatric and adult TB.

Intellectual Property Summary:

Patent application submitted

Stage of Development:

Data using serum from pediatric patients. PCT application filed

Licensing Status:

Available for license. Stony Brook is seeking a commercial partner for licensing and/or collaborative research.

Licensing Potential:

Development partner - Commercial partner - Licensing

Additional Information: