Imaging tool for early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases

This technology describes a radiolabeled compound that binds to matrix metalloproteinases for early diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).

Unmet Need: Non-invasive method for the diagnosis of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death in the US, often goes undiagnosed until irreversible lunge damage has already occurred. Current methods to diagnose COPD typically involve phenotypic screens, such as lung function tests or Chest X-rays or CT scans, that make early diagnosis difficult. As such, there is a need for a method that enables early diagnosis of COPD when clinical intervention is most effective.

The Technology: Radiolabeled compound enables early detection of COPD

This technology describes a method for the early detection and monitoring of COPD using a CT scanner. This technology is based on the finding that elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the lungs is a biomarker for COPD. By administering a radiolabeled MMP inhibitor, elevated levels of MMPs can be detected using CT scanning to detect early symptoms of COPD. In contrast to existing diagnostic methods, this technology may provide early detection of COPD when clinical intervention is still effective. Additionally, this technology could be used to monitor disease progression and assess therapeutic response for individualized COPD treatment.

This technology has been demonstrated by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging of mice injected with the radiotracer.

Applications:

• Early diagnosis of COPD
• Early diagnosis of other lung diseases
• Monitoring of disease progression in COPD or other lung diseases
• Following response to treatment in COPD or other lung diseases

Advantages:

• Allows for early detection of regions with excessive matrix metalloproteinases
• Compatible with existing medical imaging facilities
• Already demonstrated in mouse model
• Employs a radiolabeled compound that has shown to be safe for patients

Lead Inventor:

Jeanine D’Armiento, M.D., Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

Related Publications:

• Toba H, Cannon PL, Yabluchanskiy A, Iyer RP, D’Armiento J, Lindsey ML. “Transgenic overexpression of macrophage matrix metalloproteinase-9 exacerbates age-related cardiac hypertrophy, vessel rarefaction, inflammation, and fibrosis” Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol. 2017 Mar 1;312(3):H375-H383.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU17292

• Licensing Contact: Sara Gusik