Automated Scratch Detection System (Pruritis in Rodents)

Background

Chronic pruritus is estimated to occur in about 8% of the adult population. However, there are few drugs specifically targeting this problem. With a growing interest in this area, new drugs may be developed to address this problem. Screening active compounds using current methods, such as manual counting in real time or recorded videos, can be time consuming. Accordingly, there is a need to automate detection of scratching in test animals.

Technology Description

UC San Diego scientists have developed an automated device that records actual occurrence of scratching. The device records scratching automatically thereby removing a need for a trained observer. Automation also allows for several test animals to be tested simultaneously, which may further reduce time and labor costs. Also, subjective variability between individual observers is eliminated.

Applications

This device may be used for research purposes to assess and screen new actives associated with pruritis.

Advantages

Automation reduces time and cost associated with current methods.

State Of Development

Device has been developed.

Patent Status

Related cases

SD1998-024