Parkinson ’ s Biomarker Breakthrough A Look at How aSyn-SAA Works
Spring / Summer 2023 | Research 7
Parkinson ’ s Biomarker Breakthrough A Look at How aSyn-SAA Works
A new spinal fluid test called aSyn-SAA , the most significant breakthrough yet in the search for a Parkinson ’ s biomarker , detects disease in the alpha-synuclein protein with great accuracy — even before symptoms arise . Here ’ s how it works :
A Powerful Tool for Detecting Parkinson ’ s
Synthesize normal alpha-synuclein in a lab .
Combine normal protein with a spinal fluid sample from a PPMI participant .
If the normal protein clumps , Parkinson ’ s disease is present .
Making Drug Trials Faster , Smarter and Cheaper
PD
Identify the right people for the right studies .
Making trial outcomes clearer , so we can tell if treatments are working .
Our Roadmap Forward
Earlier detection sets the stage for testing therapies that could prevent PD .
Integrate aSyn-SAA into ongoing drug trials .
Develop the first biological staging of Parkinson ’ s to make all trial outcomes clearer .
Fund research using the test to deepen understanding of Parkinson ’ s biology and disease subtypes .