Lateral Flow Test Could Diagnose Alzheimer’s 10-20 Years before Symptoms Emerge

The ability to detect Alzheimer’s disease early is vital for enabling interventions that could prevent the debilitating memory loss and disorientation associated with the condition. Now, a new lateral flow test being developed for Alzheimer’s could potentially diagnose the disease 10-20 years before symptoms emerge.

Aptamer Group (York, UK) in collaboration with Neuro-Bio (Oxford, UK) has successfully engineered Optimer binders that could pave the way for a lateral flow test for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Optimer binders are next-generation aptamers characterized by their high affinity, specificity, stability, and cost-effective production. They enable researchers to meet the demand for highly sensitive reagents in point-of-care diagnostics that can target novel molecules, including small ones, thereby facilitating the development of innovative lateral flow device (LFD) tests for various diseases and functions.

Image: A lateral flow test could enable early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (Photo courtesy of Freepik)

Aptamer has developed a panel of Optimer binders for a peptide known as 'T14' which is a novel biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease. The peptide was discovered and is being further validated by Neuro-Bio. The functionality and specific binding capabilities of these Optimer binders to the target biomarker have been demonstrated and patented by partners at Neuro-Bio. The binders' subsequent integration into a standard lateral flow test will boost the clinical and commercial development of rapid diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's disease. These tests would involve simple nasal sampling and could diagnose the disease as early as 10-20 years before any symptoms appear.

“We are pleased to be able to support the team at Neuro-Bio with the development of Optimer binders to enable their revolutionary diagnostic for Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Rob Quinn, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group. “Optimer binders have proven performance in lateral flow test formats and our success in delivering functional Optimer binders to Neuro-Bio’s biomarker facilitates further diagnostic development. With an increasingly aging population and no current tests available for early-stage diagnosis, the advancement of new biomarkers and diagnostics in this field offers hope to the millions of patients and their loved ones worldwide.”

“We’re delighted to be working with Aptamer Group on this potentially game-changing technology to combat one of the biggest unmet medical needs of our time. It’s a further example of UK ingenuity and teamwork for highly innovative and disruptive science,” said Baroness Susan Greenfield, CEO of Neuro-Bio.

Related Links:
Aptamer Group
Neuro-Bio