In a groundbreaking advancement, Sunbird Bio has announced new findings that reveal its innovative blood-based diagnostic test for Parkinson’s disease. This test has achieved an accuracy rate of 86% by directly detecting aggregated alpha-synuclein proteins, which are linked to the progression of Parkinson’s. The diagnostic potential of this test was recently showcased at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference held in Madrid, Spain, on October 31.
Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide, is currently diagnosed primarily through clinical symptoms and advanced imaging. The absence of a standard blood test for Parkinson’s makes this development particularly significant, as alpha-synuclein aggregation in the brain is considered a hallmark of the disease. Sunbird Bio’s test could open doors to earlier and more accessible detection for Parkinson’s and potentially other neurodegenerative diseases.
Exploring Alpha-Synuclein: A Promising Biomarker
The study conducted by Sunbird Bio evaluated whether extracellular vesicle (EV)-bound alpha-synuclein proteins found in the bloodstream could be used as a reliable marker for detecting brain-aggregated alpha-synuclein, which is critical in Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. The researchers collected blood samples from a cohort consisting of 16 individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s and 24 age-matched healthy controls. Through the analysis, they found that while unbound soluble alpha-synuclein failed to distinguish between Parkinson’s and non-Parkinson’s cases, the EV-bound alpha-synuclein marker showed an 86% accuracy in identifying Parkinson’s-positive cases.
This method of detecting disease markers by targeting specific proteins bound to extracellular vesicles represents a novel diagnostic approach. By honing in on EV-bound proteins, researchers are able to detect brain-related changes without needing invasive tests, which holds great promise for widespread clinical application.
Implications for Future Diagnostics in Neurology
Beyond Parkinson’s, Sunbird Bio’s EV-bound alpha-synuclein detection approach may contribute to understanding other neurodegenerative diseases where protein aggregation plays a role, such as Alzheimer’s. “These findings provide robust evidence for further clinical trials and the exploration of additional biomarkers to advance the diagnostic accuracy of our technology,” says Dr. Huilin Shao, founder of Sunbird Bio. The company is looking to expand this diagnostic tool to include tests for other biomarkers like amyloid beta, tau, and TDP-43, which are associated with various neurological disorders.
Scaling Up for Wider Clinical Testing
In preparation for further development and commercial application, Sunbird Bio secured $14 million in funding last month from investors, including pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDBI). This funding will be instrumental in setting up a new laboratory space and launching larger clinical studies with broader sample sizes, aimed at refining the diagnostic test’s accuracy. These trials are expected to begin by early 2025.
Additionally, in August 2023, Sunbird Bio merged with Glympse Bio, a strategic move to accelerate the development of its protein-based diagnostic platform. This partnership amplifies their ability to fast-track trials and refine technology for broader applications in disease detection.
A Growing Focus on Early Detection in Neurological Diseases
Sunbird Bio’s approach aligns with a broader trend of utilizing biomarkers and artificial intelligence to achieve early diagnosis of neurological diseases. In a parallel effort, University College London (UCL) researchers announced in June 2024 the development of a blood test with 100% accuracy in detecting Parkinson’s by analyzing eight circulating proteins identified as early markers. This study at UCL leveraged artificial intelligence to enhance diagnostic accuracy and provide detailed insights into disease progression.
Both Sunbird Bio and UCL’s innovations underscore the critical role of biomarker-based blood tests in revolutionizing early and accurate diagnosis for Parkinson’s and related diseases, potentially transforming patient care and outcomes.