Immunoassay Panel for Preterm Birth Risk Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for predicting preterm birth (PTB) are limited, lacking inexpensive and reliable tools, and fail to understand the underlying causes of PTB.

Innovation Solution

Development of novel diagnostic tools using panels of biomarkers and maternal factors, combined with predictive algorithms, to assess PTB risk and guide interventions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If mass spectroscopy methods are used for PTB risk assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePTB risk assessment accuracyVSAvoidtest system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mass spectroscopy methods with immunoassay technology, substituting a mechanical/physical analysis system with a biochemical system that is simpler, more cost-effective, and equally accurate for measuring biomarker levels in amniotic fluid for PTB risk assessment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable immunoassay test strips or kits that are inexpensive, single-use, and do not require complex instrumentation, making PTB screening accessible and cost-effective compared to expensive reusable mass spectroscopy equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If more biomarkers are included in the prediction model, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePTB prediction reliabilityVSAvoidbiomarker panel complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple biomarker measurements into a single integrated immunoassay panel that simultaneously detects several biomarkers in one test, merging multiple analytical functions into a unified system that maintains high reliability without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal immunoassay platform capable of detecting multiple different biomarkers using a common test system and methodology, allowing one device to perform multiple measurement functions rather than requiring separate tests for each biomarker

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250140413A1Tools for predicting the risk of preterm birth

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

A method of treating preterm birth (PTB) risk in a subject is disclosed. An example method may obtain risk indicator values for two or more risk indicators selected from a panel of risk indicators comprising the group consisting of: AFP, anemia status, assistance status, body mass index, CD40L, cholesterol, CRP, diabetes status, ENA78, EOTAXIN, GP130, hCG, HDL, HGF, hypertension status, ICAM1, IFNA, IFNB, IL-10, IL-13, Il-15, IL-1A, IL-1RA, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL1R1, IL4R, INH, IP-10, LDL, LIF, MCP3, MCSF, MIG, MIP1A, MIP1B, NGF, PAPP-A, parity, PDGFBB, progesterone, RANTES, ratio of triglycerides to HDL, sFASL, TNFR1, TRAIL, triglycerides, VEGF, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3. The example method may input the obtained risk indicator values into a predictive model to calculate a predictive score indicative of PTB risk, determine the subject has an elevated risk of PTB risk based upon the predictive score, and administer an intervention to the subject.