Immunoassay Determines Thiopurine Methlytransferase Activity in Erythrocytes

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 08 Sep 2008

A new TPMT activity assay is a competitive microwell immunoassay for the semi-quantitative determination of thiopurine methlytransferase (TPMT) activity in erythrocytes.

The level of patient TPMT activity is the best indicator for an individual patient's ability to metabolize specific medicines, avoid toxicities, and their individual therapeutic efficacy. These drugs are typically used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), leukemia, and many other medical disorders.

TPMT catalyzes the S-methylation of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) with the presence of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the methyl donor, yielding 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP). 6-MMP, a small molecule, is then measured with a microwell enzyme immunoassay (EIA).

The successful development of specific antibodies against 6-MMP and the introduction of the harsh methylation reaction product mix into the delicate immunoassay environment mark a technologic breakthrough. This new assay system brings clinicians and patients tremendous benefits in the area of clinical pharmacogenomics.

Biologix Diagnostics, LLC (Lenexa, KS, USA) announced that its new technology is now available for sale worldwide.

Related Links:
Biologix Diagnostics