Immunohistochemical Technology Enables in situ Biomarker Analysis

An automated quantitative immunohistochemical (IHC) technology enables in-situ biomarker analysis for pathology.

A U.S. patent has been issued to Yale University (New Haven, CT, USA) and is exclusively licensed to HistoRx (New Haven, CT, USA). The patent claims the Aqua technology process, particularly the Place (pixel locale assignment for compartmentalization of expression) method, whereby biomarker expression is quantified in specific compartments of cells in tissue sections such as biopsies. The invention protected by this patent is the result of work pioneered by David Rimm, M.D., Ph.D., and Robert Camp, M.D., Ph.D., both from Yale University School of Medicine.

Rana K. Gupta, Interim CEO of HistoRx said, HistoRx is already applying Aqua analysis, fluorescent IHC methods, and digital imaging techniques to develop multiparametric assays to segment patients prior to therapy. The rapidly increasing number of independent, peer-reviewed scientific publications confirms the growing recognition of the utility of the Aqua technology in drug research and development.

We are gratified to see this patent granted because we believe Aqua technology will play a significant role in the emergence of companion diagnostics by making it possible to ensure that individual patients receive the drug that is most likely to be effective, stated the inventors, Drs. Rimm and Camp. In addition, we believe this technology will provide the pathologist with significantly enhanced and valuable information for diagnosis and prognosis of cancer and other complex diseases.

HistoRx is developing and commercializing pioneering quantitative histopathology technology that provides exceptional measurement and localization of protein biomarkers in their natural context within tissue. The Aqua technology is capable of measuring biomarker concentration with subcellular resolution to generate more precise, efficient, and cost-effective answers about the safety and effectiveness of new therapeutics in development as well as enable the development of companion diagnostic tests for targeted therapies.

HistoRx is also developing independent diagnostics using Aqua technology that will utilize the multiparametric approach offered by the technology to impact prognosis and treatment decisions of complex diseases.


Related Links:
Yale University
HistoRx