This invention concerns the development of a new biomarker panel for the detection and diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes.

Summary of Invention:

This invention concerns the development of a new biomarker panel for the detection and diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. The biomarker panel is based on the expression profile of specific cytokines and chemokines. These pro-files are then compared, alone and in combination, to non-diabetic control profiles where a difference is indicative of Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes develops when the body’s own immune system abnormally targets and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells located in the islets of Langerhans’ of the pancreas, thereby impairing insulin secretion. This process involves inflammatory cytokines and chemokines produced by activated cells: chemokines recruit destructive immune cells to the islets of Langerhans’ and cytokines activate them. Then each activated cell secretes diverse cytokines and chemokines, thus generating a complex cytokine “reservoir” that maintains the pathogenic immune response. An opportunity exists for development of a new biomarker panel based on the expression profile of specific cytokines and chemokines within this “reservoir”. Such a test is expected to be easy to administer, plus assist in much earlier and more effective disease detection than the currently available alternatives.

Market Opportunity:

The incidence of diabetes continues to grow at epidemic rates. Worldwide, around 170 million adults had diabetes in 2000. Growth in the diabetic population is estimated at 30% and the number of people with diabetes is projected to surpass 360 million by 2030. Within the United States alone, 17 million people suffer from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is estimated to account for up to 10 percent of all patients diagnosed with diabetes within the United States. Without early detection and proper treatment, Type 1 diabetes is rapidly fatal. As such, early diagnosis and treatment is very important for managing this form of the disease. In 2006, the diabetes diagnostic market was $10 billion and expected to grow by 10-13% annually reaching $15.4 billion by 2010. An aging population and a rising diabetic population are impacting growth in the diabetes diagnostic market creating a significant opportunity for development of a new biomarker panel for the detection and diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes.

A US Provisional patent application has been filed.

The technology is available for licensing and/or collaborative research and development in partnership with an industry partner.