Neurofit, a specialized company in brain disease imaging artificial intelligence (AI) solutions (CEO Bin Jungil), announced on the 27th that it will jointly develop a ‘next-generation Alzheimer’s diagnosis platform’ with Aribio, a bio company developing treatments for degenerative brain diseases.
Through this development collaboration, the two companies plan to create a new type of Alzheimer’s diagnosis platform by combining Neurofit’s brain imaging analysis technology using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and Aribio’s blood-based biomarker tests. Aribio is cooperating with Fujirebio Diagnostics, a global leader in neurodegenerative disease CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) and blood diagnostics, on research and clinical trial applications of Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers.
The existing method to confirm Alzheimer’s disease involves examining the deposition level or amount of amyloid beta protein in the body through amyloid-PET (positron emission tomography) imaging or CSF tests to determine whether the disease is positive or negative. However, amyloid-PET imaging is relatively expensive, and CSF testing requires lumbar puncture by inserting a long needle between the vertebrae to drain fluid, causing pain and requiring recovery time, which limits patient access to medical care.
Neurofit and Aribio are developing a new diagnostic platform to overcome these limitations. Before amyloid-PET imaging, MRI analysis and blood-based biomarker tests will be conducted to develop a diagnostic platform that can predict the risk group positive for amyloid beta protein at an early stage. The strategy is to reduce unnecessary amyloid-PET imaging and actively utilize a more accessible Alzheimer’s testing method.
Bin Jungil, CEO of Neurofit, stated, “By participating in Aribio’s AR1001 global phase 3 clinical trial, we expect to secure extensive medical data and achieve meaningful research outcomes in various fields.” He emphasized, “If this platform is successfully developed, it will drastically reduce medical costs for dementia diagnosis and treatment and improve patient convenience.”
Jung Jaejun, CEO of Aribio, explained, “Accessibility and convenience are paramount for Alzheimer’s patients and their families, so Aribio is developing a safe and easy-to-take oral pill treatment.” He added, “Through the synergy of Neurofit’s unique brain imaging analysis technology and blood-based diagnostic methods, we expect to maximize accessibility to Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis.”
Meanwhile, Neurofit signed a business agreement with Aribio in January and is currently participating in Aribio’s AR1001 global phase 3 clinical trial for oral Alzheimer’s treatment. Neurofit is focusing on supporting the identification of clinical trial patient groups using its brain imaging analysis technology. Additionally, the two companies are conducting joint research and business development cooperation by utilizing imaging, blood, and CSF data accumulated from the large-scale multinational AR1001 clinical trial.
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