Collaboration Improves Diagnosis and Monitoring of Multiple Myeloma

has entered into a collaboration agreement with Mayo Clinic to develop a clinical laboratory test for the identification and accurate measurement of monoclonal proteins present in B-cell diseases. Both the organizations have been involved in collaborative activities for more than two decades with the aim of improving the testing, diagnosis and monitoring of patients with multiple myeloma and related conditions. The output of the latest collaboration will build on combining The Binding Site’s antibody- and assay-development expertise with Mayo Clinic’s clinical excellence and its recently patented approach to improving multiple myeloma patient monitoring.

The new technology is based on antibody-antigen interactions and mass spectrometry, which will allow all intact immunoglobulin multiple myeloma patients’ proteins to be identified, classified and quantified simultaneously for the first time ever. By building on The Binding Site’s core expertise in understanding methods to identify and measure monoclonal immunoglobulins, the test will reduce subjective interpretation, improving diagnosis and monitoring of these patients, as well as improving the laboratory workflow.

“The Binding Site’s roots are founded in clinically relevant science, and one of our key attributes is the ability to develop and produce antibodies and corresponding invitro diagnostic tests for diseases that are difficult to identify or measure accurately,” says Charles de Rohan, CEO, The Binding Site. “This agreement further demonstrates our commitment to improving patient care by providing laboratories across the world with new and improved diagnostic techniques. Mayo Clinic and The Binding Site share the philosophy of keeping the patient at the centre of our work.”

“For many years, The Binding Site and Mayo Clinic have collaborated in pursuit of improved diagnostic techniques, especially in the areas of monoclonal proteins and immunoglobulin components,” says William Morice, II, M.D., Ph.D., chair of Mayo’s Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and president of Mayo Medical Laboratories.“At the end of the day, our collaborative efforts are always focused on the clinical laboratory implementation of scientific advancements for the benefit of our patients and their families.”