#USA #Frederick #Kemp Proteins #CellectGen #DCNDx

Advancing Periodontal Diagnostics with Saliva Tests

In an exciting development in the field of dental health, CellectGen has secured Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding to create an innovative saliva-based diagnostic platform designed for point-of-care use. This new approach focuses on the early detection of periodontal disease, which affects around 42% of adults over 30 in the U.S. and leads to significant healthcare costs and tooth loss.

Periodontal disease is more than just an oral health concern; it's a major contributor to overall health issues and carries hefty economic implications, resulting in an estimated $154 billion in costs related to direct and indirect treatment. Despite its prevalence, current diagnostic practices tend to be reactive rather than proactive. Most available tests identify established disease or risk factors but fail to catch active tissue destruction in its early stages.

CellectGen's groundbreaking platform aims to address this gap by measuring specific molecular forms of an enzyme linked to the breakdown of gum tissue. Previously, differentiating these forms has proven challenging due to a lack of appropriate antibodies. However, through a partnership with Kemp Proteins, CellectGen has developed hybridoma-derived monoclonal antibodies capable of distinguishing between these enzyme forms, enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of periodontal diagnostics.

Robert Gellibolian, CEO of CellectGen, expressed the significance of this development, highlighting that the platform will effectively assist clinicians in answering essential questions: What is the level of active tissue destruction? What is the patient's risk of future disease progression? And is the current therapy effective?

With this SBIR funding, CellectGen is poised to advance their diagnostic methods, and this collaboration with Kemp Proteins is crucial to acquiring the necessary antibody reagents for ongoing assay development in conjunction with DCNDx. Based in Carlsbad, California, DCNDx specializes in lateral-flow assay technologies, the same technology that will be leveraged to develop user-friendly saliva tests for oral health.

The collaboration aims to create a rapid saliva test capable of providing results in under 15 minutes, making it suitable for both clinical settings and at-home use. The ease of use and quick results can revolutionize how periodontal disease is monitored, allowing for timely intervention before irreversible damage occurs.

Mike Keefe, CEO of Kemp Proteins, affirmed the importance of robust reagents in diagnostics and expressed pride in supporting CellectGen in creating this essential tool for earlier detection of periodontal disease. Patrick Vaughan, COO at DCNDx, shared his enthusiasm about collaborating and developing a fast, quantitative lateral-flow assay to bring effective testing to both clinics and homes.

Together, these three companies form a comprehensive development team, ranging from CellectGen's innovative technology to Kemp's unparalleled antibody development and DCNDx's expertise in lateral-flow assays. Their combined efforts aim to provide clinicians with actionable insights into the causes of ongoing tissue destruction, enabling earlier identification of periodontal disease, monitoring its progression, and evaluating treatment responses effectively.

Conclusion

CellectGen's pioneering efforts to create a saliva-based diagnostic platform represent a significant leap forward for periodontal health diagnostics. By focusing on early detection and intervention, this innovative approach has the potential to reduce the prevalence of periodontal disease, improving both oral health outcomes and overall patient wellness. As the project progresses, it will be exciting to observe the impact this collaboration will have on preventive healthcare and dentistry in the coming years.