Proteome Sciences PLC
30 January 2002
30th January 2002
PROTEOME SCIENCES IS GRANTED PATENT TO DETECT nvCJD AND BSE IN BLOOD
Proteome Sciences plc (Proteome Sciences), the AIM listed proteomics and
modification of gene expression company, is pleased to announce that its patent
portfolio in TSE assays has been strengthened by the grant of an Australian
patent.
The patent is for the detection of prion proteins using human or animal blood
samples to separate mononuclear cells for the detection of abnormal prions in
humans for nvCJD and for BSE in cattle. Importantly the tests can detect TSEs in
live humans/animals and not only from pathological material. This patent was
originally filed in November 1996 and its prosecution is proceeding in other
countries.
Proteome Sciences has filed a number of other patents exploiting its proteomics
technology to assay for the presence of TSE in the blood of various species. In
controlled studies using human blood from CJD/nvCJD patients compared with
relevant control samples, Proteome Sciences has identified changes in protein
expression and produced assays which provide high sensitivity, specificity and
predictive accuracy. Studies to further validate these findings are in progress.
The same assays have yielded similar results in blood samples from BSE infected
cattle and studies using samples from scrapie positive sheep are in preparation.
It is expected that the complementarity of these two series of assays will be of
value in the early diagnosis of TSE in the three major species of interest and
in particular for nvCJD, BSE, scrapie and for blood transfusion screening.
Proteome Sciences is actively engaged to establish development and
commercialisation partnerships to accelerate its blood markers programmes and to
exploit the commercial potential for TSE in human and animal prion disease
applications.
Commenting on the grant of this patent, Christopher Pearce, Chief Executive of
Proteome Sciences, said:
'Having a grant on a patent that covers the detection of prions in blood adds
further validity to the work Proteome Sciences is undertaking in the area of
TSEs and will be important in ensuring that the commercialisation deals we are
currently pursuing with respect to the diagnosis of TSEs in live subjects and
for blood screening attract considerable value'.
ENDS
Note for editors:
TSEs (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies) are diseases characterized by
spongy degeneration of the brain with severe and fatal neurological signs and
symptoms. They affect a number of animal species and include CJD and nvCJD in
humans, BSE in cattle and scrapie in sheep.
For further information please contact:
Proteome Sciences plc Tel: +44 (0)1932 865065
Christopher Pearce, Chief Executive E-mail : psplc@compuserve.com
Public Relations
Ikon Associates
Adrian Shaw Tel: +44 (0)1483 271291
Mobile: +44 (0)797 9900733
E-mail:adrian@ikon-associates.com
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