Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Medical Devices
Medical Devices
Predicting Glucoregulatory Dysfunction
WARF: P150057US02

Inventors: Dhanansayan Shanmuganayagam, Rozalyn Anderson, Ricki Colman, James Ntambi, Mary Lindstrom, Michael Polewski, Maggie Burhans

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a method for identifying individuals at risk for glucoregulatory dysfunction associated with metabolic syndrome, prediabetes or Type II (adult onset) diabetes.
Overview
The term glucoregulatory dysfunction covers a spectrum of disorders from insulin resistance to prediabetes and diabetes. Problems associated with glucoregulatory dysfunction and obesity dominate health care costs in the U.S. today.

The test used to identify glucoregulatory dysfunction (based on high blood glucose levels or glycosylated hemoglobin) works after the fact, i.e., it confirms the problem rather than initially detecting it. A better test, one that could be used to screen at-risk patients before they progress to a more serious condition, would enable earlier intervention and improved patient outcomes.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have developed a method based on blood lipid chemistry to identify a subject at risk for glucoregulatory dysfunction. The method involves obtaining a biosample from the subject, separating the diacylglycerol fatty acids and determining if the concentration is above or below a control range.
Applications
  • Diagnostic test to screen individuals at risk for glucoregulatory dysfunction
  • Identifying those eligible for treatment and insurance reimbursement
Key Benefits
  • Predicts a problem in advance of more serious conditions (e.g., prediabetes)
  • Can be easily and routinely administered
  • Opportunity for early intervention
Stage of Development
Successful animal studies have been performed.
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
For current licensing status, please contact Rafael Diaz at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9847

WARF