How it Works

Capture’s MiRAD™ assay is unique and advanced in the field of biodosimetry as it assesses for one radiation dose-dependent miRNA and one biological normalization miRNA in one collective assay from a single sample. miR-150-5p decreases in expression in direct correlation with absorbed radiation dose, while miR-23a-3p maintains consistent expression levels despite absorbed dose changes. The dual use of these miRNAs enables the unprecedented ability to biologically normalize the radiation dose-dependent miR-150-5p using miR-23a-3p to determine a highly accurate absorbed dose on an individual, case-by-case basis.

This novel tool enables accounting for radiation sensitivity and resistance due to biological confounding variables and pre-existing conditions in a population of varying ages from pediatric to elderly. The sensitive blood assessment allows dose estimation with an accuracy of ± 1.0 Gy and requires only one to two drops of blood, making it minimally invasive and easy to use at a triage site. This technique combined with the efficient analysis protocol enables absorbed dose estimation with favorable kinetics and broad analytical range up to seven days post-exposure with the unprecedented accuracy, simplicity, and speed (in four to five hours) critical for individualized therapeutic guidance.

The HT assay kit has been developed to reflect the current stage of assay development with opportunities to further optimize the size and assay time. Part one of the two-part HT miRNA-based PCR assay kit consists of collection devices and transport materials sufficient to obtain a small sample of patient blood at the point of care facility or field-based triage site. The sample is then transported to a central testing facility that has received or maintained storage of part two of the assay, which includes reagents and oligonucleotide primers to perform the analysis. The MiRAD™ assay specifically uses commonly available reagents to enhance the ease and readiness of use for laboratory facilities capable of completing PCR assessments throughout the United States. Further, results can be reported via standard clinical laboratory operating procedures to attending physician(s) or emergency personnel, informing specific and appropriate patient care as necessary.

Capture maintains an exclusive license to two technology patents held by inventor and chief scientist, Dr. Naduparambil Jacob, who is a member of the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Translational Therapeutic Program. His research seeks to develop non-invasive blood-based biodosimetry and therapeutic strategies for timely intervention prior to the expression of disease.

Patents US # 9890428 (issued on 02/13/2018) and # 10407726 (issued on 09/10/2019) miRNA Biomarkers for Radiation Biodosimetry.