Amorfix Life Sciences detects AD-associated aggregated Beta-amyloid in blood plasma

May 4 2010

Amorfix Life Sciences, a company focused on treatments and diagnostics for misfolded protein diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), announced today the detection of the AD-associated aggregated Beta-amyloid (ABeta), the hallmark of AD, in the blood from the most-frequently-used animal model of AD. The assay detects both oligomeric and fibrillar aggregates of ABeta, which are generally considered to be the toxic forms and major contributors to brain dysfunction in AD.

"This milestone achievement represents the first time that aggregated ABeta has been measured in blood plasma from any animal model. This discovery provides an important new tool for understanding AD and will significantly accelerate the evaluation of novel treatments for the disease," said Dr. Neil Cashman, Chief Scientific Officer of Amorfix. "Our detection of aggregated ABeta in blood plasma demonstrates the superior sensitivity and specificity of the A(4) test and its utility for use with tissues and biofluids".

Dr. George Adams, Chief Executive Officer of Amorfix added, "We already have a number of prestigious academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies utilizing our commercial A(4) test for ABeta in brain, so the added capability of detecting ABeta in blood plasma will further entrench Amorfix as an emerging leader in preclinical AD diagnostics."

The quantitative measurement of aggregated ABeta in blood plasma was obtained using the Amorfix A(4) on samples from Tg2576 transgenic mice as early as 3 months of age. The Tg2576 mouse is the most commonly used transgenic model for preclinical evaluation of potential AD therapeutics. The aggregated peptide was detected in the blood from transgenic mice, but not in blood from non-transgenic age-matched control mice. Amorfix developed the A(4) as an ultra-sensitive method for early detection of aggregated ABeta. The A(4) assay will allow scientists to monitor levels of aggregated Abeta in the blood of individual AD mice as they age and to detect the impact of treatments with novel AD medications.

The company is continuing to develop an AD blood screening test for humans for early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. There are over 400 million people in the world who would be checked regularly for AD if a screening test were available and this number is expected to double in the next 15 years. Like cancer, people should be screened to determine when AD begins to enable early treatment leading to improved outcomes. The detection of aggregated ABeta in animal models is encouraging as it suggests that aggregated ABeta may be present in the blood of AD patients.

The company continues to build its A(4) testing business with the addition of senior researchers and pharmaceutical companies as customers. Amorfix is also announcing the expansion of its A(4) testing service to include the measurement of aggregated ABeta in blood to complement the existing brain testing services.