JRC disease detection technique granted US patent
A technique for the detection of pancreatic disease owned by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has been granted a patent by the United States Patent Office. The method, used for the in vivo diagnosis of serious pancreatic disease, is based on imaging laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that no medication needs to be given to the patient to stimulate the production of fluorophores at the site of the diseased tissue. Instead, it detects another strongly fluorescent substance which is produced naturally by the body. Higher concentrations of this biochemical are found in inflamed tissue in the early stages of disease. The JRC's Institute for Health and Consumer Protection is currently refining the design of a prototype endoscopic system based on the technique. It is hoped the instrument will be available for in vitro and clinical trials in September this year.