Researchers at Edinburgh University, UK are looking for commercial collaborators to develop potential compounds for the prevention and/or treatment of multiple-organ failure, as well as methods for monitoring the multiple-organ failure status of a patient.
Multiple organ failure (MOF), or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, is the main cause of death of patients in intensive care units. It can be caused by infection, injury (accident, surgery), hypoperfusion and disordered metabolism. Currently, no method for the effective treatment and monitoring of multiple organ failure exists.
Edinburgh researchers have developed screening techniques that are able to identify if a patient has been exposed to a MOF-initiating event, or is likely to develop MOF. Furthermore, the techniques can be also be used to monitor the state of recovery of the patient from MOF.
In addition, new therapeutics have been identified that could be used to modulate the inflammatory response and prevent or treat multiple organ failure.
The compounds represent a potential new class of therapeutics for multiple organ failure and a possible method for identifying and monitoring the multiple organ failure status of a patient.
A UK patent has been filed, entitled “Methods of Assessing and Treating Multiple Organ Failure”. The university is now looking to take the research on towards product development and seeks a commercial partner to license or co-develop the technology.
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