Epigenetic Biomarkers
          For years it was believed that cancer and other diseases were caused by a person’s DNA sequence, or genetics. It is now clear that disease is caused by a combination of genetics and epigenetics. Epigenetic changes include a chemical modification of the DNA called methylation, changes in gene expression by modifications to histones, and changes in protein expression regulated by small regulatory RNA molecules. Unlike inherited defects in DNA sequence, epigenetic changes have the potential of being reversed by drugs if detected early. RiboMed’s current tests focus on detection of these epigenetic changes, starting with methylation of CpG groups in regulatory regions of DNA.

    Imagine a future when getting a noninvasive, multi-disease diagnostic test at your annual medical exam is as routine as having your temperature or blood pressure taken. Imagine tests that can detect early biomarkers of cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, autism or heart disease long before symptoms present. Imagine that when disease is detected, doctors can prescribe a treatment plan designed specifically for you.

This is the future of personalized medicine

   RiboMed is developing sensitive diagnostic tests for early disease detection, drug development and treatment monitoring. These tests will find “Needles in a Haystack”, detecting those few disease cells that are present at the earliest stages of disease or after treatment, when disease may recur. These tests will allow for noninvasive detection and monitoring from bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, urine or sputum.

         RiboMed’s unique detection technology can be used for all types of disease biomarkers, including CpG methylation, SNPs, DNA, RNA, and protein. RiboMed’s tests use its proprietary Abscription™ signal amplification technology. Abscription™ based tests provide sensitivity not possible with target amplification technologies alone.

MethylMagnet™ is a rapid, specific isolation kit for methylated DNA. The entire process requires less than 2 hours and the DNA is ready to go directly into MethylMeter™ assays or for use in other applications. MethylMagnet™ can be used with as little as 1 ng of starting DNA or scaled up for larger quantities.

Custom development of tests for individual islands or multiplexing can be rapidly completed. Testing services are also available. Inquire at info@ribomed.com