Alzheimer’s diagnosed with a simple blood test

The Bioinformatics and Human Electrophysiology Lab (BiHELab) had been awaiting FDA approval for Lumipulse – the first blood-based Alzheimer’s test – hailed as a breakthrough for the estimated 35 million people affected globally.

Approved Friday by the US Food and Drug Administration, the test developed by Japan’s Fujirebio Diagnostics analyzes blood levels of two proteins – pTau-217 and beta-amyloid 1-42 – associated with amyloid plaque in the brain. It replaces the need for invasive spinal taps or costly PET scans.

“In early-stage patients, it offers a fast, easy and painless diagnostic option,” said Professor Panagiotis Vlamos, who leads the Ionian lab.

Clinical trials showed 91.7% accuracy for positive results and 97.3% for negatives. The lab, already equipped with the technology, is collaborating with Johns Hopkins on broader applications, including introducing the Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab. 

Kathimerini