Scientists Say Breakthrough Urine Test for HGH Developed

July 23, 2008— -- A team of scientists from the USA and Italy say they have developed a urine test that detects human growth hormone. The finding is a potential breakthrough in efforts to find a non-invasive way to screen for the performance-enhancing drug that is banned throughout the athletic world.

Governing bodies and U.S. pro leagues have long sought a test that doesn't require blood to detect HGH, a synthetic hormone that aids in recovery and bolsters muscle growth. Even with the blood test, no prominent athlete has tested positive for HGH. Former track and field star Marion Jones and some baseball players, including New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, have admitted using it.

Virginia-based Ceres Nanosciences, partnered with George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., and Italy's Istituto Superiore di Sanità, could have the test on the market within six months, company CEO Thomas Dunlap says. Ceres' intention was first reported by the Washington Business Journal.

Widespread adoption of the test probably would depend on lengthy scientific reviews by anti-doping authorities, leagues and players unions. World Anti-Doping Agency representatives had a conference call with Ceres officials last week, WADA spokesman Frederic Donze says.

Don Catlin, a founder of the UCLA Olympic Analytical Lab, long has been trying to develop a urine test for HGH. "This invention could be a giant step forward. … I'm going to pay a lot of attention," he says.

The researchers initially weren't out to combat doping in sports. They were fighting cancer.

"Our aim wasn't to clean up sport like some social Santa Claus," says George Mason life sciences professor Emanuel Petricoin, a member of Ceres' scientific advisory board. "We locked onto HGH because it presented us with a challenge due to the fact it's so hard to detect. As a sports fan, it'd be great to know there could be a more-level playing field."

"We're more fans of cancer research," says Lance Liotta, a George Mason University life sciences professor and also on Ceres' scientific advisory board.