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-11055939 · 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 without the confusion of false-positive results from current tests.
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 | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $49,399 |
| NIH project number | 3R44HL147734-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055939 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 any risk factors for HIT 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 improve the sensitivity and specificity of the detection process. By providing a more reliable diagnosis, this test aims to reduce the number of patients who are incorrectly treated due to false-positive results from existing tests. The goal is to streamline the diagnostic process and enhance patient outcomes in those suspected of having HIT.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses of HIT, reducing unnecessary treatments and improving patient safety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that functional assays can improve the accuracy of HIT diagnosis, indicating that this approach has 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
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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.