Patent ID: 7371755

Claim:
An agent for detecting rhinoviral infection in humans comprising a compound capable of binding to a rhinovirus (HRV) capsid, the compound comprising: at least two capsid binding moieties, and a non-polymeric backbone or core, wherein the at least two capsid binding moieties are covalently attached to the non-polymeric backbone or core, and wherein the at least two capsid binding moieties are the same or different and individually selected from formula (I): Ar 1 (X) m W(Y) n Ar 2 (I) where Ar 1 and Ar 2 are optionally substituted, aromatic mono-, bi- or tri-cyclic rings or ring systems, which may be the same or different, said aromatic rings or ring systems having 3 to 15 carbon atoms, and in the case of heteroaromatic rings, containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, S or O; X and Y are independently selected from O, S, CO, C(O)O, CONR or NR, where R is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; W is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted straight chain or branched alkylene groups of from 1 to 10 carbon atoms which may have one or more double or triple bonds; optionally substituted alkyleneoxy groups; optionally substituted aryl groups; and optionally substituted aliphatic rings which may be saturated or unsaturated and which may include one or more heteroatoms selected from O, S and N; and m and n are independently 0 or 1; said compound being linked to a detectable label.