NIH Funds Development of NAG-1 Assay

The [U.S.] National Institutes of Health (NIH; Bethesda, MD, USA) have awarded more than US$100,000 to the biotechnology company Oxford Biomedical Research, Inc. (Rochester Hills, MI, USA) to develop tests to measure the serum levels of the protein NAG-1, which is the product of the NSAID-activated gene. The money is in the form of a one-year phase 1 SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) contract.

Levels of NAG-1 become elevated following treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen as well as with resveratrol from red wine, all of which are credited for their ability to reduce cancer incidence in humans.

Currently no convenient assays are available to determine NAG-1 levels. The purpose of the NIH contract is to rectify this situation. Determination of NAG-1 should allow for monitoring the effectiveness of known anti-cancer agents and may lead to the development of new drugs.


Related Links:
National Institutes of Health
Oxford Biomedical Research