Fully automated assay aiding in the early diagnosis of neurodegeneration

Fujirebio Europe recently launched the Lumipulse G ß-Amyloid 1-42 assay for its fully automated LUMIPULSE immunoassay systems. This CE-marked CLEIA (chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay) kit allows the quantitative measurement of ß-amyloid in human cerebrospinal fluid within just 30 minutes. The Lumipulse G ß-Amyloid 1-42 assay is based upon Fujirebio’s well established, pioneering ELISA-based INNOTEST assay (the first neurodegeneration testing kit launched in 1995) and the know-how of Fujirebio in robust and automated CLEIA testing since the first LUMIPULSE instrument was released in 1992. The Lumipulse G ß-Amyloid 1-42 assay is the first fully automated testing solution for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. It gives clinical laboratories access to more precise and reliable neurodegeneration testing and, of course, significantly faster results. Alzheimer’s disease starts silently, and develops several years before clinical symptoms appear. Until recently, it has been difficult for physicians to predict which individuals with memory problems will eventually develop AD, and which ones will not. New diagnostic tools to help detect AD as early as possible, and make early diagnosis with the highest level of certainty are of fundamental importance for both physicians and the patients and families involved. This is because memory complaints can result from several causes and may be reversible. Another reason that early detection tools are urgently needed is because it is believed that the treatment of diseases such as AD ideally should begin as soon as possible. Pharmaceutical companies trying to develop new AD treatments need reliable tests to establish clear-cut treatment groups, and means of monitoring the effectiveness of candidate treatments.