Over 2 million new cancer cases are expected in 2006. The need for early diagnostics that improve prognosis is well documented. Studies have shown that single molecular markers are not able to accurately diagnose individuals in the clinical setting. Common protein discovery technologies lack the ability to quantitatively measure multiple biomarkers in a single assay, while newer technologies suffer from a lack of sensitivity, precision and automation. Rules-Based Medicine (RBM) has developed bead-based multiplex immunoassays for performing Multi-Analyte Profiles (MAPs) of biomarkers that has addressed these limitations. Thus, a goal of this program is to develop quantitative, automated, 50-plexed immunoassay for the rapid detection of low abundance cancer-related proteins. To further increase the breadth of the content on this platform, new methods to both develop and screen hundreds to thousands of ligand binding molecules are needed. Thus, the second goal of the program is to deliver an innovative approach for the rapid screening of multiple ligand binding molecules to identify those providing optimal MAP performance. If successful, both goals of this program have commercial application as a service to pharmaceutical, biotechnological, medical and basic research communities.
