Published Date: 5/10/2025

Value Proposition: Method that uses plasma cfRNAs to differentiate Alzheimer’s disease from healthy controls.

Technology Description

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a series of models using blood-based biomarkers to detect Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) using cell-free RNA. Current methods of AD detection require expensive and invasive imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers. This technology offers a less invasive method for the early detection of AD and can provide insight into disease progression and how well a patient is responding to treatment.

Stage of Research

3 models have been developed and verified with an area under the ROC curve of .90, .92, and .94.

Applications

• Early detection, including presymptomatic, of AD; monitoring of AD progression; and monitoring patient response to treatment.

Key Advantages

• Invasive procedures such as brain imaging and spinal taps are not needed to detect AD. Models are capable of distinguishing between other neurological disorders.

Publications

Cisterna-García, A., Beric, A., Ali, M., Pardo, J. A., Chen, H. H., Fernandez, M. V., Norton, J., Gentsch, J., Bergmann, K., Budde, J., Perlmutter, J. S., Morris, J. C., Cruchaga, C., Botia, J. A., & Ibanez, L. (2023). Cell-free RNA signatures predict Alzheimer’s disease. iScience, 26(12), Article 108534. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.108534

Patents

Patent Pending

Related Web Links: Laura Ibanez Ph.D. Lab Link and Profile Link