Origene, Inc. has partnered with the Canadian Center of Excellence for the Prevention of Organ Failure (PROOF) to deliver blood-based protein assays in heart and kidney transplantation. PROOF estimates the partnership could save $700,000 in British Columbia alone.
In addition to providing blood-based answers for why transplanted hearts and kidneys are sometimes rejected, the assays would prevent doctors from having to perform costly biopsies of the transplanted organs. Biopsies have limited use because they fail to measure acute graft rejection, one of the most common reasons that organ transplants fail.
“We are excited to be working with OriGene to utilize its collection of gene-centric tools and assay development expertise to positively impact the lives of patients experiencing heart and kidney transplantation,” said Dr. Bruce McManus, director of the PROOF Center.
“Through the success of our close collaboration, our ultimate goal is to meet an unmet clinical need in these patients through the development of accurate, high quality blood tests to reduce the risks, pain and fear associated with current practices for detecting organ rejection.”
Origene was chosen by PROOF because of its use of gene-centric tools, high-quality monoclonal antibody evaluation technologies and Luminex multiplex assay development. Origene’s UltraMAB antibodies are a newly released class of antibody products, validated for cross-reactivity and specificity.
UltraMAB technology will prevent false diagnostic reports in clinical studies, and reduce the potential side effects of organ rejection testing.
“We are pleased to have been selected as the premiere development partner for this critical project and playing a significant role in improving the quality of life for all patients in the global transplantation market,” commented Dr. Wei-Wu He, Ph.D., CEO and Chairman of OriGene Technologies.
Organs are often rejected by their new hosts because of antigens that are found on the surfaces of the organs. The body attacks the foreign antigens, triggering a systemic immune response.
Transplant patients are generally treated with immunosuppressant drugs to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs.
Edited by
Braden Becker
