Intellectual Property Office

Non-Confidential Disclosures

"A Monoclonal Antibody Against Gamma-Fibrinogen – A Novel Clinical Screening tool for Coronary Artery Disease"

PSU Invention Disclosure Number 95-1515 & 2335

Field of the Invention:

Coronary Arterial Disease Epidemology

Inventors:

D.H. Farrell and H.A. Al-Mondhiryr

Background:

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and coronary artery disease is a significant contributing factor to heart disease-related mortality. Although the mechanism by which plasma fibrinogen directly contributes to heart disease is unclear, nonetheless the role of fibrinogen in plasma viscosity, platelet hyperaggregability and consequent increased likelihood of atherosclerotic plaque formation undoubtedly places plasma fibrinogen level as a potential qualitative indicator and/or predictor of coronary artery disease.

Invention description:

The present invention describes the finding that increased level of plasma ?A/?’ fibrinogen level is a strong risk factor associated with coronary artery disease. The measurements were done by using an ELISA assay developed with a proprietary monoclonal antibody directed against the fibrinogen ?’ chain.

Advantages:

• Minimally-invasive clinical screening tool for prognostic and diagnostic purposes
  
• Monoclonal antibody with high specificity minimizing false readings
  

Contact:

Dr. James F. Kolonay, Ph.D.
Technology Licensing Officer
Intellectual Property Office
The Pennsylvania State University
113 Technology Center
University Park, PA 16802-7000
Phone: (814) 863-7070
Fax: (814) 865-3591
E-mail: jfk11@psu.edu