Labor Biomarker Assay for Preterm Birth Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting preterm labor are inadequate, leading to high infant mortality and morbidity, as widespread treatment of women with signs and symptoms has not significantly reduced the prevalence of preterm birth in the United States.

Innovation Solution

The method involves assaying biological fluids for specific marker proteins or peptides, comparing their amounts to reference standards, to predict or detect labor, using peptides with defined amino acid sequences to determine labor status, and testing compounds for their ability to delay labor onset.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If widespread treatment of women with signs and symptoms of preterm labor is implemented, then more pregnancies are monitored and treated, but the prevalence of preterm birth is not significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of preterm labor treatmentVSAvoidpreterm birth rate reduction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional clinical monitoring methods with a biochemical detection system that measures specific protein markers (such as placental alpha microglobulin-1 and other labor-associated proteins) in biological fluids. This substitution enables more accurate identification of women truly at risk for preterm labor, distinguishing them from those experiencing normal physiological changes, thereby improving treatment effectiveness without requiring widespread intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If current detection methods are used, then treatment can be initiated, but accurate prediction and detection of preterm labor is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to initiate treatmentVSAvoidaccuracy of preterm labor detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces specific protein markers as intermediary substances that mediate between the physiological state of preterm labor and the detection system. These markers (including placental alpha microglobulin-1, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, and other labor-associated proteins) serve as reliable indicators that bridge the gap between clinical symptoms and accurate diagnosis, enabling precise detection while maintaining ease of operation through standardized assay procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7662570B2Labor biomarkers, methods comprising same, and methods targeting same

Publication Date: 2010.02.16 THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIV OF PENNSYLVANIA

AI summary

The present invention provides methods of predicting or detecting labor in a female subject and methods of testing a compound for an ability to delay the onset of labor. The present invention also provides methods of testing a labor marker useful in the diagnostic methods, isolated peptides identified in the present invention, methods for inhibiting labor, utilizing the peptides, and kits comprising methods of the present invention.