Pyxis Laboratories Inc

Recent News

What are Gabapentin Conjugates?

Gabapentin conjugates are compounds of the anticonvulsant drug, marketed primarily as Neurontin, and the animal protein bovine serum albumin (BSA). They are broadly used for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or lateral flow immunoassay detection of gabapentin in human urine samples.

One of the most common rapid detection methods for the drug is the gabapentin dip test. This comprises a small strip of nitrocellulose paper loaded with a fine line, or test band, of immobilized gabapentin conjugate, which adheres to the membrane test surface due to the presence of BSA. At the end of the nitrocellulose strip is a pad loaded with a specific immunoglobin (gabapentin—antibody) compounded to a chromatic agent. When this pad is dipped into a urine sample, the immunoglobin will bind to any gabapentin molecules that are present. The sample then flows up the nitrocellulose strip and passes through the line of gabapentin conjugate.

Unlike a pregnancy lateral flow test, a gabapentin dip test will only register a chromatic response if the drug is not present in the sample. This is because of the chromatic immunoglobin compound binds with the immobilized gabapentin conjugate on the membrane test surface, causing it to change color. Conversely, when there is enough concentration of the drug in the biological sample the antibody binding sites will be occupied before the chromatic compound reaches the test band. The analyte will flow through the gabapentin conjugate line without registering a chromatic change. An absence of color subsequently indicates a positive result.

Outlining Gabapentin

Gabapentin is an analog of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA); a neurotransmitter associated with relaxation of the central nervous system. It has distinct anticonvulsant properties and has broadly been prescribed for the treatment of symptoms associated with epilepsy, such as partial seizures and painful neuropathy. There are contraindications to the therapeutic benefits of gabapentin such as heightened aggression and an increased risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts. Abuse of gabapentin appears to be on the rise, and gabapentin conjugates and dip tests are increasingly used for rapid toxicology screening in domestic and workplace environments.

Gabapentin Conjugates from Pyxis Labs

Pyxis Labs specializes in synthesizing high-quality immunological reagents for advanced laboratory testing or rapid screening of biological samples. We have developed an extensive range of antigen conjugations for therapeutic drug monitoring and testing for drugs of abuse using all standard test methodologies, including lateral flow, ELISA, and western blot testing.

Our proprietary gabapentin conjugate is 01-GABB, formatted as a compound with BSA in water and a sodium azide preservative at a concentration of just 0.01%. We also provide:

  • Alcohol such as, ethyl glucuronide-BSA (EtG-BSA);
  • Amphetamines such as, Amphetamine-BSA, Methamphetamine-BSA, methcathinone-BSA, MDMA-BSA, MDPV-BSA, Mephedrone-BSA and Methylphenidate-BSA (Ritalin-BSA);
  • Cannabinoids such us, delta-8-THC-BSA, delta-9-THC-BSA; and synthetic cannabinoids such as, JWH-018-BSA, ABpinaca-BSA, UR144-BSA;
  • Cocaine, such as BZEG-BSA;
  • Hallucinogens/Anesthetics such as, Ketamine-BSA and PCP-BSA;
  • Nicotinic such as, Cotinine-BSA.
  • Opioids such as, Buprenorphine-BSA, Fentanyl-BSA, Methadone-BSA, Morphine-BSA, Oxycodone-BSA, Propoxyphene-BSA and others such as Chloramphenicol-BSA, and N-acetyl glucosamine-BSA (NAG-BSA).

If you would like any more information about the drug-protein conjugates that Pyxis Labs provides, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.