Acute phase protein is "a group of proteins, the concentration of which dramatically increases in the blood rapidly (after 1-3days after insult) when there is acute inflammation or tissue damage in the body". In other words, these proteins increase during times of stress, following surgery, acute and chronic diseases, chronic inflammation, and infections. Of particular importance, the values return to normal levels as these diseases and conditions are resolved by the self defense mechanisms alone or with the assistance of veterinary medical interventions.

Acute phase proteins as markers of inflammation in animals have been recognized. Clinical application in veterinary diagnostics are monitoring of response to treatment, such as post surgical recovery or in response to treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Ecos Institute Co., Ltd. which is Japanese research oriented firm has developed and distributed various acute phase protein measurement kit for veterinary use, such as bovine alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, haptoglobin tests.

J-path Inc. is authorized exclusive agent of Ecos Institute Co., Inc. for servicing these acute phase protein measurement kits to customers outside of Japan.