NET Inhibitor Patient Selection via Blood Biomarker Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to identify human subjects who will respond to treatment with agents that inhibit the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and to monitor the effectiveness of such treatments, as excessive NET release contributes to tissue injury and organ damage in various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the measurement of NETs and preNETs in a blood sample to identify subjects responsive to NET-inhibiting agents, where the percentage of NETs or preNETs to total neutrophils is greater than 1%, and administering these agents to treat NET-associated pathologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NET-inhibiting agents are administered to treat NET-associated pathologies, then tissue injury and organ damage are reduced, but not all patients respond effectively to treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring NET and preNET levels in blood samples before administering NET-inhibiting agents. This baseline measurement identifies patients who are likely to respond to treatment, allowing for selective administration only to responsive patients, thereby improving treatment reliability and reducing variability in patient response.
2Reliability
If NET levels are measured to identify responsive patients, then treatment can be selectively administered, but the measurement process adds complexity to the diagnostic workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex molecular and cellular analysis methods with flow cytometry-based measurement of NET and preNET levels in blood samples. This substitution simplifies the diagnostic workflow while maintaining high accuracy in identifying responsive patients, as flow cytometry is a well-established, automated technique that can be performed on routine blood samples.
3Productivity
If NET-inhibiting treatment is administered to all patients, then treatment coverage is maximized, but resources are wasted on non-responding patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring NET and preNET levels before treatment to identify responsive patients, and potentially monitoring changes in these levels during treatment to assess response. This feedback mechanism allows for targeted treatment administration, ensuring resources are allocated only to patients who are likely to benefit, thereby maximizing treatment coverage efficiency and minimizing resource waste on non-responders.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to methods of identifying human subjects who will respond to administration of an agent that inhibits the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Methods of measuring efficacy of treatment with an agent that inhibits the formation of NETs and methods of treatment comprising administration of such agents are also encompassed by the invention. Methods may comprise a cell fixation step.