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University of Wyoming

UW Technologies Available for Licensing


Licensed - Technology Disclosure: 01-010 An Improved Diagnostic Test for Canine Hypothyroidism - Licensed 


Background

In dogs, like humans, hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland -- two small butterfly-shaped lobes located in the neck. This gland has a number of functions, but is most well known for regulating a dog's metabolic rate. In this disorder, the thyroid gland is under-active, and unable to secrete enough hormones which, in turn, decreases the dog's metabolism. Most cases of hypothyroidism stem from the dog s own immune system attacking the tissues of the thyroid gland. While the thyroid attempts to compensate by secreting more and more of the thyroid hormone, it eventually is unable to keep up with the attacks on its tissue, and the dog becomes hypothyroid and symptomatic. While there is a genetic predisposition for thyroid disorders, environmental factors such as pollutants and allergies play a role as well.

Canine hypothyroidism is a very common problem in pets – hypothyroid screening is one of the most common tests run by veterinarians. Today's modern testing protocols of canine thyroid disorders involve the use of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate thyroid activity. Upon stimulation, thyroid activity is measured and compared to standards to determine whether the thyroid is hypo-, hyper-, or normal. The problem with this technique is the source of the TSH used in the test. Currently it is most commonly harvested from bovine pituitary glands. Bovine pituitary derivatives pose a danger for transmission of bovine spongioform encephalitis (BSE - mad cow disease) and can also transmit rabies and other diseases. Notwithstanding this, availability problems are also prevalent and there are frequently concerns with lot to lot purity and potency.
 

Summary

Researchers at the University of Wyoming and Texas A&M University are investigating new methods for developing a safer, more effective and less expensive diagnostic test for canine hypothyroidism. The technology is centered upon providing an improved source for pure canine thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) by using our proprietary recombinant technology. TSH produced in this manner overcomes present-day concerns by providing a safe, consistent, and much less expensive supply of TSH which can be used in routine canine diagnostic testing as a direct diagnostic tool (rather than an indirect, second-messenger stimulator). Other advantages include:

Production of consistent batch-to-batch canine TSH in order avoiding the hazards associated with harvesting and purifying TSH from bovine pituitaries
TSH can be engineered to increase half-life and bioactivity, thus further maximizing efficacy and cost-efficiency.

If your company would like to learn more about our technology, please feel free to contact the director of the Wyoming Research Products Center, Davona Douglass. We would be happy to share further details with you.