The Lumipulse test, just approved in the United States, detects Alzheimer’s biomarkers in the blood allowing early diagnosis
It is a “simple” blood test, but it could represent a turning point in the Fight against Alzheimer. Just a few days ago the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States approved the examination called Lumipulse G PUU217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratiowhich offers a quick, accessible and not very invasive alternative for the early diagnosis of this terrible pathology. The test was developed by the Fujirebio Diagnostics company, and works by measuring two bio-markers in the blood plasma which are associated with Alzheimer’s: the Amiloid Beta Protein and Tau protein, Responsible for formation in the brain of amyloid plates that cause the disease. The test is performed on people aged 55 who have cognitive symptoms compatible with Alzheimer’s.
The studies have been carried out on 499 patients and the test showed an accuracy of 92% in detecting the disease and 97% in excluding it. Even the exams we already enjoy today, such as the PET (POSITRONI emission tomography) or the lumbar puncture are extremely reliable, but invasive, with longer and even more expensive execution times. In the case of the PET, the patient is also subjected to radiation, while in the case of lumbar puncture it is necessary to withdraw a cerebro-spinal liquid sample from the spine: it is an invasive procedure and which can give rise to complications. It is therefore obvious that the new test could lead to a great diffusion of the exam and therefore to one Most effective early diagnosis It is extended to many bands of the population, especially in areas with limited access to very advanced technologies.
The importance of Alzheimer’s early diagnosis is, today more than ever, truly fundamental. In fact, at the end of 2024, AIFA (Italy Agency of the drug) approved the use of anti-amyloid drugs Leqembo and Kisunlawho have proven to be capable of slowing down the disease: they are effective, however, only in patients in the initial phase of Alzheimer’s. This test, if done early, could therefore really change the paradigm of care and give the sick more time and more health. Obviously, we are only at the beginning of a path: the trials on this new test will now go on to evaluate their effectiveness in different bands of the population and to understand the potential use in screening programs wider and widespread.
