Biomarkers for Neurodegenerative Disorders
Introduction Neurodegenerative disorders (ND) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease(PD), and dementia with Lewy body (DLB), are currently diagnosed by clinical presentations, laboratory investigations and structural and functional neuroimaging analysis. However, diagnostic accuracy of various neurodegenerative diseases varies between 50% to 85%
depending on the disease involved, the experience of physicians and the stages of the diseases. This diagnostic uncertainty contributes, at least partially, to the fact that available therapies aimed at preventing disease progression, are largely ineffective. In addition, to date, there are no effective ways of monitoring the progression of AD, PD or DLB. To circumvent these limitations, it is critical to develop biomarkers that provide accurate diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, monitoring disease progression, and gauging therapeutic interventions. However, one of the major problems in discovering biochemical markers in body fluids, including plasma, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), relates to the heterogeneity of AD, PD, and DLB. Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a method for diagnosing neurodegenerative disease based on the pattern of expression of a number of gene products. Technology description The present invention provides a method for diagnosing AD, PD and DLB by comparing the pattern of gene product expression present in a subject’s CSF to the pattern of a library of gene product expression known to be indicative of the presence or absence of the neurodegenerative disease. This invention also provides a method for monitoring the progression of a ND by comparing the patterns of gene production expression in a subject’s CSF obtained at different time points. Finally, these markers can also be used to evaluate treatment effects of various pharmaceutics. The identification and quantification of CSF proteins is determined by mass spectrometry, immunoassay or by a Luminex xMAP system. Business opportunity AD, PD, and other neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people in the United States, and the toll of the diseases is expected to worsen as the Baby Boomer generation grows older. Presently, no diagnostic biomarkers can confirm AD, PD or DLB or accurately monitor their progression. An early diagnostic of these diseases would offer unique insights into their pathogenesis and be crucial to the patients’ clinical outcomes. Intellectual property position The University has applied for patent protection to secure the rights to this technology. Related Publication(s)
J Alzheimers Dis. 2006 Aug;9(3):293-348. For more information on this technology contact:
Angela Loihl, Ph.D., MBA Technology Manager, Invention Licensing [email protected] 206-543-3970
Type of Offer: Licensing
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