Lab21 Announces Licence Agreement with Ark Therapeutics for Predictive Coronary Heart Disease Diagnostic

15-Oct-2007

Lab 21 announced that it has entered into an exclusive license with Ark Therapeutics of a diagnostic test to measure autoantibodies to oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL), which is a predictive risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD).

The oxLDL test can identify those individuals at the greatest risk of developing CHD, allowing for early preventative action. In addition, the diagnostic is expected to radically alter the clinical diagnosis of heart attacks in the emergency room setting.

Ox-LDL is released from atherosclerotic plaque in increasing amounts as the plaque becomes more unstable, and thus with the increasing likelihood that an area of it will break away from the surface of the blood vessel and obstruct either the coronary artery (causing a heart attack) or a cerebral vessel (causing a stroke). Because oxLDL has a very short half life within the blood, measuring it accurately is difficult. However, the body rapidly produces auto-antibodies and these can be measured by the appropriate antigens.

The oxLDL antibody assay is CE marked and is an ELISA test based upon a novel diagnostic approach with intellectual property surrounding the peptide antigens used. It will be manufactured by Newmarket Laboratories which is part of the Lab21 group of companies.

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous

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Topic world Antibodies

Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous