Aptamer Group and Neuro-Bio Collaborate to Develop Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnostic Test

Aptamer Group, the developer of novel Optimer binders, and Neuro-Bio, an Oxford-based biotechnology company, announced the development of Optimer binders to allow a lateral flow test for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease on June 14, 2023, according to a press release.

The binders have been patented by partners at Neuro-Bio after the performance in specifically binding to the target biomarker and functionality in a nasal mucous matrix. Further, the integration of the binders into a routine lateral flow test will support the clinical and commercial development of rapid diagnostics for Alzheimer’s disease through nasal sampling.

The peptide “T14” was discovered as an Alzheimer’s disease biomarker and is currently being validated by Neuro-Bio. Neuro-Bio is hoping to develop a complementary therapy that could stabilize disease progression in diagnosed patients, ideally in the presymptomatic stage.

“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 Rob Quinn, PhD, Interim CEO 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, in the release.

Source: Aptamer Group