New retinal imaging technique could be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s earlier

Janssen Research and Development, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, and NeuroVision Imaging are collaborating to determine whether a fluorescence-based approach to monitoring amyloid plaque build-up in the retina can be used as an early-stage indicator of the degenerative brain disorder.{{quote-A:R-W:450-I:2-Q: In terms of otional toll and financial cost, Alzheimer’s disease is one of the greatest medical challenges of our time -WHO:Steven Verdooner, CEO at NeuroVision Imaging, LLC}}The partnership is a strategic move to push for the global adoption of the technology, including cooperation in clinical trials. According to the agreent, Janssen will also provide funding for clinical trials. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Janssen, and look forward to helping power and enable new treatments,” NeuroVision CEO Mr Steven Verdooner said.“In terms of otional toll and financial cost, Alzheimer’s disease is one of the greatest medical challenges of our time. As potential therapies are developed, it is critical that at-risk patients are identified early, before symptoms are seen, at a time when treatments have the potential to make a difference. We believe Janssen’s support and participation will further validate the NeuroVision technology for detection and measurent of beta-amyloid plaque in Alzheimer’s disease and its progression.”The technology will undergo evaluation as part of the wider Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s clinical study. It will recruit 1,000 volunteers from 70 test sites including Australia, Canada, the US and Japan.NeuroVision will take part in a sub-study trial with researchers from the University of California’s San Diego School of Medicine and University of Southern California. It will focus its study on the retinal imaging technique to test the theory on amyloid plaque deposits playing a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.“Our technology is designed to be easy-to-use, reliable and, being non-invasive, have minimal impact on patients,” Verdooner said.“If it works in the way we expect, retinal imaging would streamline enrolment into clinical studies and could help identify candidates for new drugs and monitor their efficacy in a practical and accessible setting.”The pair’s agreent comes after NeuroVision completed a US$10 million (AU$13.16 m) round of series B funding to help validate the technology and gain regulatory approval.