SELECTIVE LOCALIZATION OF ULTRASOUND CONTRAST AGENT
UCLA Technology Available For Licensing

This invention involves the use of an abundant human plasma protein conjugated to a known ultrasound contrast agent as a tool to diagnose a major medical condition. The plasma protein has an affinity for certain organs in the body, and selectively binds at these organ sites. An ultrasound contrast agent is conjugated to the plasma protein and the complex is delivered intravenously. The contrast agent-plasma protein conjugate temporarily aggregates at the targeted site, where it can then be imaged using standard ultrasound equipment.

The available market size for an ultrasound diagnostic for this medical condition is over one million procedures annually in the U.S. Currently available procedures for this condition are relatively invasive and lack sensitivity. Misdiagnoses of the condition can lead to severe medical consequences.

Animal studies to test the validity of this approach are underway. If they are successful, this method may provide a safe and convenient way to rapidly diagnose the condition. It would also provide a product opportunity in ultrasound contrast agents.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 1994-534

For additional technical details and current licensing
availability, please contact the following UCLA office:

UCLA Office of Intellectual Property
11000 Kinross Avenue, Suite #200
Los Angeles, CA 90095-7231
Tel: 310-794-0558 Fax: 310-794-0638
email: ncd@research.ucla.edu
Lead Inventor: Nagesh Ragavendra

UCLA Technologies Available for Licensing
http://www.research.ucla.edu/tech

Copyright © 2000 The Regents of the University of California.

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