Researchers at Imperial College London are investigating the ProAxsis NEATstik test to detect active neutrophil elastase (NE) in sputum samples.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Diagnostic Expansion: ProAxsis is collaborating with Imperial College London on a 21-month study to evaluate its point-of-use test for COPD exacerbations.
- Rapid Biomarker Detection: The technology utilizes a lateral flow test to detect active neutrophil elastase in sputum samples within 10 minutes, providing a tool for monitoring lung inflammation and bacterial infection.
- Future Home Monitoring: A successful study outcome could lead to the development of a self-test for COPD patients to use at home as part of remote disease management programs.
ProAxsis is collaborating with Imperial College London on a clinical study to evaluate NEATstik (neutrophil elastase airways test), its point-of-use test for COPD exacerbations, according to the company.
The 21-month clinical research study is evaluating the NEATstik point-of-use test as a diagnostic tool for exacerbations of COPD. COPD is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation that affects more than 200 million people globally. Results from the study are expected by mid-2027.
The test is a lateral flow tool that uses proprietary technology to detect active neutrophil elastase (NE) in sputum samples. Results are returned within 10 minutes, which allows for monitoring of active NE levels in a research setting. NE is an established biomarker of bacterial infection and inflammation of the lungs and is associated with an increased risk of exacerbations and worsening disease severity in both bronchiectasis and COPD.
“The aim is to not only evaluate our NEATstik test in a disease area that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, but also to explore broader applications for the technology across respiratory research, drug development, and patient monitoring,” said Louise Ryan Murphy, managing director of ProAxsis.
The study builds on the company’s existing work in bronchiectasis and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Its technology previously supported the Phase II WILLOW study for Insmed and the use of lab-based assays for biomarker analysis, which helped support the USFDA approval of Brinsupri, a treatment for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
A successful study outcome would enable the use of the test in COPD research and clinical trials, creating a pathway for sales to pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations. It would also support the development of a next generation self-test for use by COPD patients at home as part of a remote disease management program. In time, the test could be integrated into digital monitoring tools to enable remote assessment of infection and inflammation status within healthcare systems.
“ProAxsis has already demonstrated the value of its technology through collaborations with leading global pharmaceutical companies and its contribution to an FDA-approved treatment in bronchiectasis,” said Steven Myint, chairperson of ProAxsis. “The Imperial College COPD study represents a natural and significant step forward, targeting one of the world’s largest respiratory disease markets.”
