Technologies

Invention
This technology is an orally administered compound that identifies a compromised gastrointestinal tract, especially in diseases that cause "leaks" in to the blood. If the GI tract is compromised, the compound will be found in the urine and a simple urinalysis can be completed. If the individual is healthy the compound will be expelled in the feces.

Background
In the United States between 60 and 70 million people suffer from digestive diseases including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and gastric cancers. While a stool sample can be used to determine if there is abnormal bacteria or bleeding in the gut, the standard of diagnostic for non-pathogenic gastrointestinal tract disorders remains endoscopies, which are expensive and invasive procedures. Because of this, new means of identifying and diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders are still needed.