Early Detection of Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Memory loss is the most well-known symptom of AD, but AD can also involve problems with reasoning, speech, visual perception, and other symptoms. In the brain, AD is associated with the buildup of a misfolded protein called amyloid, which is thought to contribute to AD risk and progression.
AD and the eye
Signs of AD can be found in the in the back of the eye, called the retina. The retina includes a type of neuronal cell called the ganglion cell, which is actually an extension of the brain. As in the brain, amyloid can build up in the retina during AD. Because of this, the eye has been thought of as a “window to the brain” through which one could look to help diagnose AD and track its progression. However, until now, there has been no way to label and detect amyloid in the retina.
Why Amydis?
Amydis is developing an eye test that can label and detect amyloid in the retina. This test could help doctors diagnose and monitor AD, and potentially catch the disease early by a simple, low-cost eye scan. The key to the test is the development of a “retinal tracer”, AMDX-2011P, that binds to amyloid and gives off a fluorescent signal that can be seen using the same ocular imaging device that is currently used as part of your annual eye health exams. The Company has opened a Phase 2 clinical study of AMDX-2011P for individuals with AD.
An important impact of the Amydis eye test is that it could make eyecare
professionals, who see adults over 50 on a regular basis, a routine and highly
accessible point of care where signs of AD risk can be detected early and in more
people.
Who to contact regarding possible participation?
Enrolled participants will receive a stipend.
Dr. David Wirta
Eye Research Foundation, Inc.
520 Superior Avenue, Suite #235
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Attn: Linda Wirta 949-650-1863
Email: linda.wirta@drwirta.com
Dr. Benjamin Bakall
Associated Retina Consultants
1750 E. Glendale Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Attn: Mallory Mintert 480-999-5458
Email: mallory.mintert@doctrials.com
Dr. Sherif El-Harazi
Global Research Management
1510 S Central Ave #300
Glendale, CA 91204
Attn: Logi El-Harazi 818-246-2560
Email: logi@grmclinical.com
