Acetaminophen-protein Adduct Dipstick: rapid, sensitive and specific diagnostic device for point-of-care determination of acetaminophen toxicity

new process and a novel device

 

 

 

 

Acetaminophen is also known as paracetamol and N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP) is the most common OTC drug used for the treatment of pain and fever is available in many adult and children’s doses and in combination with other OTC cold medications.    It is also the leading cause of acute liver failure in the U.S.  This can occur in adults and especially children if APAP is consumed in high dose.  The potential for liver damage can be averted using an antidote if the elevated levels of the protein adducts resulting from APAP can be measured.    At the present time there is no point of care test for use in by the family physician or ER physician to determine the medical course of action prior to the initiation of liver failure.   If the elevated levels of APAP protein adducts in sera are determined, antidotal measures can be initiated to prevent irreversible liver damage.

The invention is a new process and a novel device that includes a kit for the preparation and analysis of a blood sample to determine if specific acetaminophen-protein adducts are present in sufficient quantities to indicate acetaminophen toxicity.  The device and kit can be operated with a sample of patient blood by ER or family physician, clinic staff or non-technical personnel with an answer available in less than 20 minutes. 

 Patent Pending

 Available for exclusive Licensing

 08-27 James

 

 

 

 

Preclinical

 Seeking Partner to collaborate with University startup company

U.S. Patent Application #12/427,434