{
  "patent_number": "US 12085565",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "Using a Blood Marker to Predict Concussion Risk and Severity",
  "original_title": "SNTF is a blood biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of sports-related concussion",
  "summary": "This patent describes a method to diagnose and predict long-term issues from mild traumatic brain injury, like concussions, by measuring a specific protein fragment called SNTF in a blood sample.",
  "what_it_does": "The patent outlines a method to assess mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), including sports-related concussions, by analyzing a blood sample. First, a blood, serum, or plasma sample is taken from a subject within 36 hours of the injury (Claim 1a, 12a). Next, this sample is mixed with a special antibody that specifically attaches to a broken piece of a protein called SNTF, but not to the whole protein (Claim 1b, 12b). The amount of this antibody-SNTF combination is then measured to find the SNTF concentration (Claim 1c, 12c). This concentration is compared to a pre-determined normal level (Claim 1d, 12d). If the SNTF level is higher than normal, it indicates an elevated risk of long-term brain problems (Claim 1e) or the severity of the mTBI (Claim 12e), leading to a prognosis or diagnosis and subsequent treatment (Claim 1f, 12f). For example, a football player suspected of a concussion could have their blood tested to determine their risk of long-term issues and suitability to return to play (Claim 11).",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Diagnostic methods that do not rely on measuring the specific calpain-cleaved αII-spectrin N-terminal fragment (SNTF) in a blood, serum, or plasma sample.",
    "Blood, serum, or plasma samples collected more than 36 hours after the mild traumatic brain injury or suspected concussion occurred.",
    "Antibodies that bind to the full-length spectrin protein, rather than specifically to the calpain-generated neoepitope of SNTF (Claim 1b, 12b).",
    "Diagnostic or prognostic methods for brain injuries that are not classified as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).",
    "Methods that do not involve comparing the measured SNTF concentration to a pre-determined standard (Claim 1d, 12d)."
  ],
  "filed": "2018-03-23",
  "granted": "2024-09-10",
  "expires": "2038-03-23",
  "status": "active",
  "holder": "University of Pennsylvania Penn",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/university-of-pennsylvania-penn",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "Robert Siman",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/robert-siman"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 1,
  "tags": [
    "biotech",
    "pharmaceutical",
    "telecommunications",
    "consumer_electronics",
    "healthcare"
  ],
  "abstract": "The invention relates to methods for providing prognosis, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in a subject, including a sports-related concussion. The invention further relates to assessing the severity of brain damage resulting from mTBI in a subject, including in a subject who has not undergone a CT scan following the injury. For example, the methods of the invention can be used to determine the suitability for someone who has suffered a sports-related injury to return to play that sport. This invention also relates to methods of predicting risk for developing brain damage and long-term dysfunction in a subject having suffered mTBI.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12085565/sntf-is-a-blood-biomarker-for-the-diagnosis-and-prognosis-of-sports-related-conc",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12085565/sntf-is-a-blood-biomarker-for-the-diagnosis-and-prognosis-of-sports-related-conc/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US12085565",
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