Developing a test to detect harmful antibodies related to Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia
Official title: An in vitro diagnostic assay for the early and accurate detection of platelet-activating antibodies associated with Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia
Funded at Retham Technologies, INC. · NIH-10653274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, more accurate test to help doctors find out if patients have Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious condition that can happen when they receive heparin treatment, so that patients can get the right care and feel better faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Retham Technologies, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Wauwatosa, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 15, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,220,267 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HL147734-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10653274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are receiving heparin treatment and are suspected of having Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving heparin or those who do not have a risk of developing Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a highly accurate diagnostic test to identify pathogenic antibodies associated with Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious condition that can occur in patients receiving heparin treatment. The approach utilizes Platelet Factor 4 (PF4)-treated platelets to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the test, addressing the limitations of existing assays. By improving the accuracy of HIT diagnosis, this research aims to reduce the number of patients who are misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the diagnosis of Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia, leading to more appropriate treatment and better patient safety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that improving diagnostic assays for HIT can lead to better patient management, indicating that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Retham Technologies, INC.
Wauwatosa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Curtis — Retham Technologies, INC.
- Study coordinator: Jones, Curtis
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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New ideas to understand, diagnose, and treat heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
A Mayo Clinic led study will look at the different kinds of HIT antibodies to improve diagnosis and treatment for people with HIT.
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Immunobiology of vaccine-related clotting after adenovirus vaccines
This research asks how antibodies linked to a rare vaccine-related clotting condition (VITT) interact with specific blood proteins to cause clots after certain COVID-19 vaccines.
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Understanding and diagnosing Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)
A project to understand the immune factors behind HIT and develop faster, more accurate tests to help people who need heparin therapy.
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Fetal and neonatal platelet allergy: understanding why some babies bleed
A study to understand why maternal antibodies cause serious bleeding in babies with FNAIT, using an animal model and human-relevant clues to improve future care for affected families.
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Molecular mechanisms behind immune-related low platelets and clots in transfusion medicine
This grant supports a team of researchers to understand how immune factors cause low platelets and abnormal clots, with a focus on transfusion medicine and pediatric to adult patients.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.