Gene Expression Profile for Early COPD Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to accurately predict the rate of lung function decline in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), limiting early intervention and effective management.

Innovation Solution

A bronchial airway gene expression profile is identified that correlates with the rate of lung function decline, allowing for early detection of incipient COPD and personalized treatment approaches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current diagnostic methods are used, then clinical COPD diagnosis can be made, but early detection of incipient COPD and prediction of lung function decline rate is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprediction accuracy of lung function declineVSAvoidwindow for early intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gene expression profile analysis is performed early in the disease process, before substantial lung function loss occurs. This preliminary diagnostic action identifies incipient COPD and predicts future decline rate, enabling intervention before the disease progresses to advanced stages where treatment options are more limited.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/physical diagnostic methods (spirometry, imaging) with a molecular-level diagnostic approach using gene expression profiling. This substitution enables detection of disease processes at the molecular level before they manifest as measurable functional changes, thereby improving early detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If uniform treatment approaches are applied to all COPD patients, then standard care can be provided, but personalized treatment based on individual disease progression risk is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalization of treatmentVSAvoidcomplexity of diagnostic system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment approach is tailored to the specific local characteristics of each patient's disease biology, as revealed by their gene expression profile. Patients are stratified into different risk categories (rapid vs. slow decliners) and receive treatment strategies optimized for their specific progression pattern, rather than applying a uniform treatment protocol to all patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the diagnostic parameter from general clinical assessment to specific gene expression measurements. By measuring the expression levels of particular genes associated with disease progression, the system transforms the diagnostic process into a quantitative, objective assessment that can guide personalized treatment decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12329759B2Methods and compositions relating to lung function

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIV

AI summary

The technology described herein is directed to methods and compositions for prognosis and treatment of respiratory disease, e.g., COPD.