Quest Diagnostics to Offer FDA-Cleared Alzheimer's Blood Test, Expanding Diagnostic Options

Quest Diagnostics, a leading provider of diagnostic information services, has announced plans to offer Fujirebio's Lumipulse G blood test for Alzheimer's disease. This move comes following the test's FDA clearance earlier this year, marking a significant advancement in the accessibility of non-invasive Alzheimer's diagnostics.

Innovative Blood Test for Alzheimer's Detection

The Lumipulse G test, developed by Fujirebio, measures the ratio between specific tau and beta amyloid proteins in the bloodstream. This innovative approach helps identify patients likely to have amyloid plaque buildups in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, without the need for more invasive procedures such as brain scans or spinal taps.

Kathleen Valentine, general manager of Quest's neurology business, emphasized the importance of this development: "Our goal is to advance access to quality and innovative blood-based tests for Alzheimer's disease. Adding the Fujirebio test to our existing blood-based tests provides the many physicians we serve with another powerful option for assessing patients for Alzheimer's disease."

Expanding Diagnostic Options and Accessibility

Quest Diagnostics' decision to offer the Lumipulse G test is set to complement its current AD-Detect product line, providing healthcare professionals with a broader range of diagnostic tools. The company plans to make the test available to clinicians and biopharma companies later this summer, leveraging its extensive network of patient service centers to improve access to these crucial diagnostic insights.

Valentine highlighted the potential benefits of blood-based testing: "Blood-based testing can be less invasive and more convenient than traditional test methods. We are excited to leverage our expansive network of patient service centers to broaden access to the Fujirebio innovation to help more at-risk individuals gain access to the insights they need sooner."

Implications for Alzheimer's Treatment and Research

The introduction of this FDA-cleared blood test comes at a critical time in Alzheimer's research and treatment. With an estimated 7 million people in the U.S. currently living with Alzheimer's, and projections reaching 14 million by 2060, the need for efficient and accessible diagnostic tools is more pressing than ever.

Furthermore, the recent approval of new therapies for reducing amyloid levels, including the FDA's recent green light for a new dosing regimen of Eli Lilly's Kisunla antibody, underscores the importance of early and accurate diagnosis. These advancements in both diagnostics and treatment options are poised to significantly impact the landscape of Alzheimer's care, potentially improving outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.