IMULAN Identifies Diagnostic Biomarker For Atopic Dermatitis

Main Category: Dermatology
Article Date: 13 Jan 2011 - 3:00 PDT


Imulan BioTherapeutics, LLC (IMULAN) has identified a new biomarker for atopic dermatitis. Using dogs as the atopic model, IMULAN found a highly significant (p<0.001) increase in expression of the biomarker in atopic dermatitis subjects compared to normal subjects. IMULAN's Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) found a 16-fold increase in median serum titers in atopic dogs versus normal dogs. The results are being prepared for publication. The ELISA test is based on IMULAN's T-cell receptor peptide platform, which is also being used to develop an immuno-therapeutic for atopic dermatitis in dogs. IMULAN proposes to eventually commercialize combined diagnostic and therapeutic products for canine atopic dermatitis. Patent disclosures have been filed by IMULAN regarding the unique biomarker identified in the study.

Daniel Gingerich DVM, IMULAN's Chief Scientific Officer stated, "It has been confirmed that T-cell abnormalities represent an underlying immunological defect in atopic dermatitis. This new diagnostic detects hyper-reactivity to the dogs' own T-cell receptors, which appears to be a characteristic of atopic dermatitis."

Canine atopic dermatitis is a prevalent condition in dogs affecting 5% or more of the dog population. Atopic dermatitis in dogs is comparable to human atopic dermatitis and eczema, including alterations in immune profiles and sensitivity to allergens. Clinical signs of atopic dermatitis include pruritus (itching) and an increase in topical skin infections such as staphylococcal pyoderma.

Source:
Imulan BioTherapeutics, LLC

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