Researchers at the Seoul National University (SNU) in South Korea have reportedly developed a new technology for a series of blood tests designed to predict Alzheimer’s disease before the appearance of symptoms.

While the exact cause of the disease is not known, it is believed to occur due to the build-up of a beta-amyloid protein that is considered toxic to the neurons.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The existing techniques for the detection of amyloid plaques include positron emission tomography (PET) scans that are reported to be expensive and distressing to a patient.

Designed to predict the amyloid PET test result with 90% accuracy, the new SNU technology is said to require only a small blood sample, reported Korea Biomedical Review (KBR).

According to South Korea Ministry of Science and ICT, the technology is expected to enable cost reduction, while its ability to allow early screening and prediction could potentially prevent the disease.

"The technology developed by our research team is different in that it can predict Alzheimer’s disease from a normal, non-symptomatic stage."

The technology uses a combination of protease inhibitors and phosphatase inhibitors (MPP) to stabilise beta-amyloid levels in the blood for obtaining accurate results.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Additionally, the researchers have found four protein biomarkers and four other blood factors that are associated with beta-amyloid deposition.

Seoul National University professor Mook In-hee was quoted by KBR as saying: “While most dementia diagnostic techniques distinguish between symptomatic and demented patients, the technology developed by our research team is different in that it can predict Alzheimer’s disease from a normal, non-symptomatic stage.”

The university has licensed the technology to biotech firm Medifron DBT in the country and intends to co-develop diagnostics kit and computing algorithm required to commercialise the technology.