Bayer Licenses Immunoassays to Signet Labs

A licensing agreement has been announced by Bayer HealthCare Diagnostics Division, whereby Signet Laboratories, Inc., will conduct research with immunoassays discovered by Bayer scientists that detect two markers of inflammation, uristatin (Uri) and bikunin (Bik), which are found in blood and urine. Signet plans to offer assays to investigators conducting research into the detection and management of acute and chronic diseases.

Acute inflammation can be caused by sepsis, meningitis, respiratory infection, urinary tract infection, viral infection, and bacterial infection. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is often the result of diabetes, heart attack, coronary artery disease, kidney diseases, and certain auto-immune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and organ failure.

"Signet will evaluate the trypsin inhibitors as biomarkers for acute renal failure (ARF) with a view toward developing them into companion assays for our Nephroscreen, an RUO [research-use-only] assay that may predict the onset of ARF,” explained Dr. Peggy Taylor, vice president of production and development, Signet Laboratories.

"The trypsin inhibitors Uri and Bik are cutting-edge biomarkers that can have a great impact on the diagnosis and management of diseases that cause inflammation, such as kidney disease,” said Dr. Michael Pugia, director of Urinalysis R&D, Bayer Healthcare Diagnostics.





Related Links:
Bayer Diagnostics Division
Signet Laboratories