Valerie Daggett, co-founder and CEO of AltPep, was recently awarded Health Innovation of the Year at the 2023 GeekWire Awards for the development of a new test for the early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease. The test, known as the Soluble Oligomer Binding Assay (SOBA-AD), has been shown to detect the disease in 100% of samples from patients who are symptomatic for Alzheimer’s, even before symptoms are present. The assay detects misformed proteins known as Amyloid‑beta (Aβ) toxic oligomers, which disrupt normal brain function and form clumps and plaques as Alzheimer’s progresses.
The research, published in Nature’s Scientific Reports, used 265 blood plasma samples from two different organizations and tested them in two different laboratories by different personnel. AltPep has been working on this track record of success and is hopeful to get FDA approval for the assay within the next 12 months to start commercialization. The company is also working on developing a treatment for Alzheimer’s, aimed at targeting the disease as early as possible, as well as researching a test and treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
The SOBA-AD test has advantages over existing detection methods, such as PET scans, in that it can detect Alzheimer’s disease before neurological damage has occurred, and it is effective on blood plasma, eliminating the need for cerebrospinal fluid collection through a spinal tap. While the study showed 100% detection of Alzheimer’s in symptomatic patients, there were five false positives among control samples, suggesting the potential for early detection before symptoms arise.
Valerie Daggett is keen to continue testing the assay against more samples, particularly those with greater racial and ethnic diversity among patients. The study results are encouraging, but further testing is needed to improve the accuracy of the test. AltPep has raised $76 million from investors and is dedicated to the early detection and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The company recently opened a new lab in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood to accelerate its programs and hiring.
Daggett’s ultimate goal is for the SOBA-AD test to be used as a screening device for all individuals aged 40 and older, in order to detect Alzheimer’s disease at an early stage before irreversible damage occurs. The company is committed to advancing research in the field of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, with a focus on early detection and treatment. AltPep’s innovative approach to healthcare has earned them recognition and awards in the industry, and they are dedicated to continuing their research and development efforts to improve patient outcomes.
