Invention Spotlight: U.S. Patent Issued for Simultaneous Biomarker Detection in Diffuse Glioma
Congratulations to inventors Analiz Rodriguez and Thidathip Wongsurawat on the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 12,753,446, titled Use of Simultaneous Marker Detection for Assessing Diffuse Glioma and Responsiveness to Treatment. Issued on October 6, 2026, the patent describes a molecular analysis method designed to improve the assessment of brain tumors by simultaneously detecting genetic mutations and DNA methylation patterns associated with diffuse gliomas. Diffuse gliomas are a group of brain tumors that can be challenging to diagnose and treat due to their molecular complexity. Identifying specific genetic and epigenetic biomarkers plays an important role in characterizing these tumors, understanding their progression, and informing treatment decisions. However, conventional testing methods often require separate analyses of different biomarkers, increasing the time and complexity involved in obtaining comprehensive molecular information. This patented technology addresses that challenge through a method that simultaneously evaluates mutations in the IDH1 and IDH2 genes and methylation levels in the MGMT gene, three important molecular markers associated with glioma diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response. The approach uses CRISPR-Cas9 targeted nanopore sequencing, a technique that enables researchers to analyze specific regions of DNA and identify multiple molecular characteristics within a single sequencing workflow. By combining mutation detection and methylation analysis, the method offers a potentially more efficient way to characterize brain tumors and assess their molecular profiles. The technology also has potential applications in evaluating responsiveness to treatments such as temozolomide, a chemotherapy drug commonly used in glioma care. Understanding these molecular markers could help clinicians make more informed treatment decisions and support the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. The patent represents an advancement in molecular diagnostics and precision oncology, with the potential to streamline biomarker analysis and improve how researchers and clinicians assess diffuse gliomas. Further clinical development and validation would be needed to establish its use in routine patient care. BioVentures congratulates Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Wongsurawat on this achievement and recognizes their contributions to advancing molecular diagnostics and precision medicine for patients with brain tumors. Inventors Analiz Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery Director of Neurosurgical Oncology UAMS College of Medicine Thidathip Wongsurawat, Ph.D. Adjunct Faculty, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Division of Medical Bioinformatics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University This technology is currently available for licensing. For more information or to discuss potential licensing opportunities, please contact BioVentures at bioventures@uams.edu.
