Research project
FluiDx-AD Project
The FluiDx-AD consortium led by Oslo University Hospital and Pre Diagnostic AS has signed an agreement with the European Commission worth 7.7 million euros to develop and test new methods for detecting and treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease affects over 10 million people in the EU, and this number is expected to triple by 2050. Current diagnostic tools, such as brain scans and cerebrospinal fluid tests, are partially invasive, expensive and often only used in advanced stages of the disease.
The FluiDx-AD project will create new tests that can detect Alzheimer’s disease in body fluids such as saliva and blood, even before symptoms appear. The tests will be simple, affordable and accessible. This could lead to earlier prevention and better treatment for more patients.
The tests will also ensure that patients receive the right treatment throughout the disease course, from early detection to follow-up. This will allow for more precise selection and assessment in clinical trials, including the new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
Biomarkers have great potential
The FluiDx-AD project is fully funded for three and a half years. The money will be used to develop and test Pre Diagnostics’ new methods for detecting Alzheimer’s disease in blood samples. Professor Ole Petter Ottersen, chairman of the board of Pre Diagnostics AS, says that the new drugs for Alzheimer’s disease have serious side effects for many patients.
Therefore, we need biomarkers that can help us distinguish between patients who will benefit from the treatment and those who risk serious side effects. Such a biomarker is very important. Pre Diagnostics’ unique blood-based biomarkers have great potential, and the EU support provides us with funds for further development and testing
says Ottersen
Horizon Europe
Norway Health Tech and Innovayt have helped to find and adapt the project to the RIA program. Innovation Norway and the Research Council of Norway have also contributed to creating a broader EU funding strategy.
Through the RIA program, which is part of Horizon Europe, the European Commission supports new knowledge and technology with up to 100% coverage of project costs.
