Summary
A robust three protein-based biomarker panel blood test to predict chronic pain and categorize individuals into three recovery trajectories
Background
Pain and distress are difficult to quantify. Outcomes for acute musculoskeletal injuries (trauma) are currently suboptimal with an estimated 10-50% of injured individuals reporting persistent problems. The search for biomarkers of post-traumatic distress and tools to identify those at risk of chronic pain (non-recovery) following trauma has been underway for decades. Previously, multiple biomarkers have been attributed to pain – however, none have provided a quantitative measurement and not focused on recovery. To date, no biomarker panels have been identified that can be used to predict post-trauma pain and focus on recovery. By identifying and stratifying patients suffering from chronic pain early in their disease process using unique and quantifiable biomarkers, there is an opportunity to initiate targeted treatment, as well as to improve the understanding of chronic pain.
Technology Overview
Researchers at Western University have developed a robust three (3) protein-based blood marker panel test to measure chronic pain and categorize individuals into recovery trajectories. This blood marker profile test is an absolute measurement of the concentration of the three protein-based markers.
The current technology is a key step forward towards advancing research, identifying mechanisms and treatment to reduce the burden of chronic pain. In addition, this technology opens new opportunities for point-of-care diagnostics for those with acute trauma and more precision approaches to medical care and rehabilitation. Next steps will be to explore how this new technology can be translated into practice to provide clinicians more objective information for identifying patients at risk for chronic pain and tailor the patient’s medical intervention to the determined classification.
Using statistical tests to compare the three classes from patient-derived clinical data, significant differences have been observed across recovery trajectories, with one profile more commonly present in those who do not recover well from musculoskeletal trauma. This offers the potential to optimize treatment for both acute and chronic pain and trauma.
This technology offers more precision over current practice guidelines and acts as a catalyst for the development of subsequent therapeutic targets for individuals with acute musculoskeletal trauma and chronic pain.
Benefits
• This invention may help identify those at greatest risk of chronic pain.
• These markers can also be assessed using saliva samples in addition to blood samples
• The current technology is a key step forward towards identifying mechanisms and treatment to reduce the burden of chronic pain.
• Current technology opens new opportunities for point-of-care diagnostics for those with acute trauma and more precision approaches to medical care and rehabilitation.
• Allows identification and investigation of therapeutic targets
Applications
• Point-of-care diagnostics
• Medical care
• Rehabilitation
• Pain management
• Chronic pain management
IP status
• Provisional Patent
Seeking
• Development partner
• Commercial partner
• Licensing
