Background

The effectiveness of many anticancer drugs varies greatly from patient to patient, with risks of incorrect dosages and adverse side effects. The therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) greatly improves the effectiveness of the cancer treatment and helps to personalize the optimal dose to administer: quick procedures are therefore essential.

The following invention applies to Imatinib: an anticancer drug used in particular for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. ()

Technology Overview

The invention provides for the first time an electrochemical method and prototype device to measure the concentration of the drug Imatinib in patient’s plasma with an on-site test readable in real time. The procedure is expeditious, simple and cost-effective and allows to establish quickly the optimal drug dose for the patient.

The method involves a fluidic system capable of collecting a plasma sample and extracting the drug and a following measurement of its concentration using an automated electrochemical technique, in particular adsorptive stripping voltammetry ().

The prototype device allows quick on-site tests, readable in real time and easily accessible even by non-specialized personnel, to carry on immediate drug monitoring and correct dosage administration. The test can be carried out at the patient’s bed (point-of-care), avoiding lengthy delays required by specialized analysis.

Stage of Development

Technology Readiness level (TRL): 4

A prototype device for determining the Imatinib drug using this method is under development in collaboration with a company specialized in prototyping.

Benefits

Simple protocol to be performed, on appropriate device, also by non-specialized personnel
Rapid and accurate diagnosis on site
Minimum amount of plasma required
Results in real time
Determination of drug concentration and therefore of treatment effectiveness for a timely adjustment of individual dosage
Less expensive than full scale analysis

Applications

Protocol to determine Imatinib concentration in patients’ plasma
Portable device to perform therapeutic Imatinib drug monitoring at point of care

Opportunity

Open to collaborative projects to further develop the technology and/or licensing, to production and distribution partners.

Chemotherapy Device for Imatinib Drug Monitoring

Patents

IP Status

Seeking