Center For Technology Commercialization

Diagnostic and Prognostic for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

(CHMC Ref. Id: 2007-0105)

Overview:

Several defects in neutrophil function have been noted in Crohn's Disease (CD), including reduced phagocytosis, adhesion, chemotaxis, and oxidative burst. This has been shown to reduce neutrophil accumulation at sites of injury, promoting the accumulation of bacterial products and stimulation of the mucosal adaptive immune system. To enhance neutrophil response to bacteria, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is required.

Currently, GM-CSF is in Phase II clinical trials in CD. In order to determine which patients would benefit from GM-CSF activity modulation, the expression levels of GM-CSF need to be defined for specific subtypes of IBD. Drs. Denson and Trapnell have discovered that patients with small bowel CD exhibit high levels of anti-GM-CSF antibodies, while patients with UC exhibit low levels of the antibodies.

Applications:

• Diagnostic tool for Crohn's disease
• Predictor of treatment response for Crohn's disease

Advantages:

• Distinguishes Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis
• Non-invasive
• Increases likelihood of therapeutic success

Patent Information:

• Patent Applications Pending

Cincinnati Children's Lead Inventor:

Lee A. Denson, M.D.