Eurofins utilises ultrasensitive methods in the battle against neurodegeneration
Kieran Kedney, Scientific Affairs Liaison, Eurofins Central Laboratory Global Scientific Affairs, KieranKedney@eurofinsUS.com
To date, there are more than 600 neurodegenerative diseases that affect the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system. Some diseases, like Parkinson’s disease affect motor functions, while others, such as Alzheimer’s disease progressively destroy memory and other mental functions. Although there are numerous symptomatic treatments available, there is still no definitive cure for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The World Health Organization currently estimates that over 35 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease worldwide.
Currently, Eurofins has experience with over 66 neurology trials from Phase I to Phase III. Eurofins Central Laboratory offers an extensive range of biomarker assays which are considered essential in neurodegenerative disease trials:
- Total Tau
- Phospho-Tau 181
- Amyloid Beta 1-38
- Amyloid Beta 1-40
- Amyloid Beta 1-42
- Alpha-Synuclein
- NfL neurofilament light chain
- pNFH phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain
- IFN gamma/IL-4 to Amyloid Pool
These are available across various matrices, for example, cerebrospinal fluid, serum, and PBMC. Testing is available across platforms such as:
- Various ELISA test kits
- Roche Elecsys ElectroChemiLuminescence immunoassays
- MesoScale Discovery MultiArray
- Simoa Quanterix SR-X
- ELISPOT enzyme-linked immunospot
Multiplexed assays reduce sampling requirements, costs, testing timelines, and can offer improved assay performance. Because blood-based biomarkers are at a much lower concentration in serum and plasma than in cerebrospinal fluid, methods such as Single Molecule Array (SiMoA) can be useful due to the implementation of ultrasensitive technology to detect AD biomarkers.
Eurofins also has capabilities for inclusionary, prognostic and retrospective genetic testing for neurological disorders through Next Generation Sequencing, Whole Exome Sequencing, and a variety of other high-content analytical methods. Testing is available in predefined panels with up to 160 genes or in custom validated panels with either single or multiple SNPs or genes selected. For more information visit: www.eurofinscentrallaboratory.com
