Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The compounds disclosed comprise an amphetamine moiety and a methamphetamine moiety linked together by a first linking group. A second linking group depends from the first linking group and comprises a functional group. The distance of the amphetamine moiety and the methamphetamine moiety from the point of linkage of the second linking group to the first linking group is approximately the same. The compounds may be linked to labels and used in assays for the detection of amphetamine and/or methamphetamine in samples suspected of containing these drugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for releasing a ligand from a complex of the ligand with an endogenous protein using a releasing agent.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for releasing a ligand from a complex thereof. The method comprises contacting a medium suspected of containing such complex with an effective amount of a compound effective in releasing the ligand. Another aspect of the present invention is an improvement in a method for the determination of an analyte that is a member of a specific binding pair in a sample suspected of containing such analyte. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing in an assay medium the sample and a binding partner for the analyte and (b) detecting the binding of the binding partner to the analyte. The improvement comprises including in the assay medium a compound of the invention in an amount sufficient to enhance the accuracy of the determination. The invention has particular application to a method for releasing mycophenolic acid from a complex thereof.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to assays for the detection of mycophenolic acid. The method comprises including in an assay medium suspected of containing mycophenolic acid a releasing agent for releasing mycophenolic acid from a complex with endogenous proteins. Another aspect of the present invention is an improvement in a method for the determination of mycophenolic acid in a sample suspected of containing such analyte. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing in combination in an assay medium the sample and a binding partner for the analyte and (b) detecting the binding of the binding partner to the analyte. The improvement comprises including in the assay medium a releasing agent for releasing mycophenolic acid from a complex with endogenous proteins. The present invention also provides assay reagents as well as packaged kits useful for performing the methods of the invention.