More than a billion people worldwide suffer from some form of neurological disorder, such as Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD), multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, stroke, or spinal injury. These conditions result in more than 7 million deaths, with associated costs exceeding $1.5 trillion annually.

Problem

Injury to the cells within the blood vessels, or endothelial cells, is one of the primary mechanisms involved in neurological disease. These cells regulate the entry of immune cells, inflammatory mediators, and molecules responsible for exchanging nutrients and metabolic waste in the brain. Hence, identifying biomarkers of endothelial cell injury could lead to early treatment and recovery from neurological injury. Unfortunately, no validated biomarkers can accurately diagnose endothelial damage in those with brain conditions.

Solution

OSU inventor has developed a diagnostic tool for measuring endothelial injury as an indicator of neurological disease. Five biomarkers were identified to be released into the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during illness, including syndecan-1, thrombomodulin, plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein, E-selectin, and VE-cadherin. Immunoassays with the biomarkers showed that detection elevated levels of at least two of the five markers can differentiate endothelial injury in those with AD, hematological disorders, and autoimmune neurological diseases.

Commercial Applications

Detecting endothelial damage associated with neurological disease by analyzing blood or CSF for at least two of the five biomarkers.

Benefits/Advantages

There are no FDA-approved diagnostics for endothelial damage in those suffering from neurological conditions. This invention could become the first diagnostic, leading to early treatment, reducing morbidity, and improving quality of life.

Seeking opportunities for out-licensing and collaboration