Focus Areas
Direct Detection of Nucleic Acid Diagnostics
Nanosphere’s technologies, as presented in Verigene® System and tests, will greatly simplify molecular diagnostic testing, making it accessible to virtually any clinical laboratory. This will allow for localized molecular diagnostic testing and decision-making at the greater than 4,000 hospital-based laboratories in the United States. A similar number of hospital laboratories in the EU and other regions of the globe will benefit similarly by having access to a testing platform that does not require substantial technical and operational expertise.
In the molecular diagnostics market, Nanosphere has developed tests for the following areas:
Ultra-Sensitive Protein Diagnostics
Nanosphere's nanoparticle probe technology enables ultra-sensitive, multiplexed detection of proteins in clinical samples. Detection of new and existing protein biomarkers at sensitivity levels 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than existing ELISA-based tests is being explored in several areas:
- Cardiovascular disease*
- Neurodegenerative disorders*
- Oncology*
- Blood screening*
Research Applications
Nanosphere's technology for ultra-sensitive protein detection can facilitate the discovery of new biomarkers for both clinical applications and drug development.
Biosecurity
Nanosphere is setting a new standard in public health and safety through the development of improved bio-security systems. Rapid identification of biological pathogens is critical to national security and public health. In October 2002, from a field of 12,000 applicants, Nanosphere secured a contract awarded by the U.S. Government Technical Support Working Group, a joint venture of the U.S. State and Defense Departments, to apply its platform to detection of biological agents in the water supply. Nanosphere is currently optimizing its platform for specific use as a field-deployable system to enable bio-defense agencies to detect signature nucleic acid sequences of known biological pathogens (e.g., anthrax, plague and others).
Food and Animal
Nanosphere's technology enables rapid detection of prions from a blood sample in a simple, easy to use format. The detection of prions in our meat supply is currently a cumbersome process, requiring brain tissue samples from slaughtered animals. Rapid and accurate testing for prions in the food production industry is critical not only to the shelf life of the product but also to ensure public safety. Nanosphere is actively collaborating with experts to develop solutions for prion detection and food testing.
Industrial Sensors
Nanosphere's nanoparticle probe technology is well-suited for rapid and accurate testing for nucleic acid and protein targets in industrial sensors. This type of detection has widespread applications, including drinking water testing and the first-responder market, such as fire and police departments. The company is in dialogue with several hazardous materials teams and is preparing for deployment of systems that will be used for the rapid analysis of undisclosed, but known substances in the field.
*Applications forthcoming