Latest news with #biomarker
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Proenkephalin A 119-159 (penKid) Leads the Way in Predicting Graft Outcomes for Kidney Transplant Recipients
PenKid surpasses serum creatinine on Day 1 post-transplant in detecting delayed graft function (DGF), with an AUROC of 0.87 versus 0.56 for creatinine. PenKid differentiates slow graft function (SGF) from DGF up to 8 days earlier than current methods, supporting more timely clinical decisions. PenKid levels remain unaffected by kidney replacement therapy (KRT), allowing for more accurate assessment of kidney function. Independent validation in transplant cohort from Australia confirms performance and broad applicability. HENNIGSDORF, GERMANY AND BERLIN, GERMANY / ACCESS Newswire / July 1, 2025 / Diagnostic company SphingoTec GmbH ('SphingoTec') announces a landmark study (1) published in Transplant International, led by Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany in collaboration with researchers from Sydney, Australia, which identifies Proenkephalin A 119-159 (penKid) as a reliable biomarker for early and precise assessment of graft function trajectories following kidney transplantation. The research demonstrates that PenKid not only identifies patients at risk for DGF significantly earlier than traditional markers but also distinguishes between slow and delayed graft function with remarkable accuracy, offering clinicians a valuable new tool for patient management. The study prospectively evaluated 159 consecutive kidney transplant recipients at Heidelberg University Hospital and validated findings in an independent cohort from Sydney. PenKid consistently outperformed serum creatinine (SCr) in predicting graft function trajectories, particularly in the critical early post-transplant period. Notably, PenKid's ability to remain unaffected by KRT-a treatment for severe kidney dysfunction-further sets it apart from SCr, which can be influenced by non-renal factors and KRT itself, thereby enhancing the reliability of graft function assessment. Multivariate analysis confirmed PenKid as the strongest independent predictor of both short-term graft function and 30-day outcomes, underscoring its clinical utility for early risk stratification. The biomarker's superior granularity allows for nuanced classification of DGF severity, supporting more informed decisions regarding the initiation of dialysis or biopsy and offering potential for individualized patient care. With these findings, penKid steps forward as a practical addition to the transplant clinician's toolkit, promising to sharpen decision-making for optimal outcomes. Its adoption could help transplant teams act with greater confidence and precision, ultimately strengthening the standard of care in kidney transplantation. References Benning L et al. (2025) Proenkephalin A 119-159 in Kidney Transplantation: A Novel Biomarker for Superior Tracking of Graft Function Trajectories. Transpl. Int. 38:14366. doi: 10.3389/ti.2025.14366 About SphingoTec SphingoTec GmbH ('SphingoTec"; Hennigsdorf near Berlin, Germany) is a biomarker company focusing on the out-licensing of innovative critical care solutions for diagnosing, predicting, and monitoring acute medical conditions. SphingoTec develops its biomarkers to the commercial stage and partners with IVD companies to make them available on different IVD platforms. SphingoTec's proprietary biomarker portfolio includes Proenkephalin A 119-159 (penKid), a biomarker for the assessment of kidney function in critical diseases, commercially available on diagnostic platforms AFIAS and Nexus IB10 and bioactive Adrenomedullin 1-52 (bio-ADM), a biomarker for the assessment of endothelial function in conditions like sepsis. Discover more on Contact: Ruxandra Lenz Marketing and Communication SphingoTec GmbH Phone +49-3302-20565-0 Email: [email protected] SOURCE: SphingoTec GmbH press release
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Autoimmune Disease Diagnostics Market to Reach $11.45 Billion by 2032, Growing at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2025, Says Meticulous Research®
Market Growth Driven by Rising Prevalence of Autoimmune Disorders, Emphasis on Early Diagnosis, Advanced Biosensor Technologies, and Growing Healthcare Awareness REDDING, Calif., June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a comprehensive market research report titled "Autoimmune Disease Diagnostics Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis By Product (Reagents, Kits, Assays, Instruments), Test Type (ANA, CRP, ESR, Rheumatoid Factor, Routine Test), Disease Type (Systemic, Localized) - Global Forecast to 2032," the Autoimmune Disease Diagnostics market is projected to reach $11.45 billion by 2032, up from an estimated $6.91 billion in 2025, growing at a robust CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. The growth of the autoimmune disease diagnostics market is driven by the increasing prevalence of autoimmune disorders, the growing emphasis on early diagnosis, and the rising awareness regarding autoimmune diseases. The market's expansion is fueled by advanced biosensor technologies, sophisticated diagnostic solutions, and the critical need for rapid and accurate detection of autoimmune conditions across diverse patient populations. The industry is experiencing revolutionary transformation through the integration of cutting-edge biosensor technologies, AI-powered diagnostic platforms, and development of highly specific biomarker detection systems. Leading companies are embracing digital diagnostic solutions while expanding into emerging markets and developing innovative point-of-care testing capabilities for healthcare providers worldwide. For more comprehensive insights, download the FREE report sample: Revolutionary Market Transformation Through Advanced Diagnostic Excellence The autoimmune disease diagnostics market represents a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes optimization. As healthcare providers increasingly prioritize early detection and accurate diagnosis of complex autoimmune conditions, advanced diagnostic solutions offer a revolutionary approach that addresses the growing demand for cost-effective, highly sensitive, and technologically sophisticated autoimmune disease detection capabilities. Market leaders are investing heavily in biosensor technologies and biomarker research, establishing diagnostic capabilities that can deliver rapid, accurate, and patient-specific autoimmune disease detection. This technological advancement is making sophisticated autoimmune diagnostics increasingly accessible while delivering superior accuracy and clinical outcomes benefits. Dynamic Growth Across Key Market Segments Based on product type, the Reagents, Assays, & Kits segment dominates the market in 2025, capturing approximately 84% of the total market share due to high diagnosis rates of autoimmune diseases in developed countries, recurring purchase patterns, and growing availability of convenient diagnostic solutions. This segment is also experiencing the fastest growth with 7.4% CAGR, driven by increasing product launches, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use in clinical settings. Based on test type, the Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) segment leads the market, reflecting its critical role in early detection of autoimmune diseases, high sensitivity for primary screening, and widespread clinical adoption. This segment is anticipated to record the highest growth rate of 8.3% during the forecast period, driven by the advantages of ANA testing including early disease detection capabilities and comprehensive autoimmune screening benefits. Based on disease type, the Systemic Autoimmune Diseases segment accounts for the larger market share, attributed to high prevalence of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus affecting multiple organ systems. This segment is expected to maintain strong growth throughout the forecast period. Get Insightful Data on Regions, Market Segments, Customer Landscape, and Top Companies (Charts, Tables, Figures and More) - Strategic Market Opportunities and Innovation Drivers The market presents extraordinary growth opportunities through biosensor technology integration, emerging market expansion, and development of specialized point-of-care diagnostic solutions. Companies are discovering new revenue streams through advanced biomarker detection capabilities and comprehensive diagnostic service portfolios while establishing integrated autoimmune disease management ecosystems. Key market drivers include: Rising Disease Prevalence: Increasing incidence of autoimmune disorders globally, with approximately 24 million people in the U.S. suffering from autoimmune diseases, driving demand for accurate diagnostic solutions Early Diagnosis Emphasis: Growing recognition of the importance of early detection in reducing disability, morbidity, and mortality associated with autoimmune diseases Advanced Biosensor Technologies: Integration of sophisticated biosensor platforms utilizing antibodies, antigens, and peptides for highly specific biomarker detection and improved diagnostic accuracy Healthcare Awareness Growth: Expanding public and healthcare provider awareness about autoimmune diseases, supported by initiatives from organizations like the Autoimmune Association promoting education and early intervention Regional Market Leadership and Emerging Growth North America commands the largest market share in 2025 with approximately 39% of the global market, driven by high prevalence of autoimmune diseases, advanced diagnostic infrastructure, presence of leading diagnostic companies, and significant healthcare expenditure supporting widespread adoption of sophisticated diagnostic technologies. Asia-Pacific emerges as the fastest-growing region with a projected CAGR of 9.7% during 2025-2032, propelled by increasing prevalence of celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis, adoption of unhealthy lifestyles due to urbanization, government initiatives addressing autoimmune diseases, and rising investments in autoimmune disease research and diagnostic capabilities. Europe represents a significant market, supported by advanced healthcare systems, strong regulatory frameworks, growing demand for precision diagnostics, and presence of leading diagnostic technology providers with emphasis on quality and clinical accuracy. Request a customized research analysis tailored to your specific requirements: Dynamic Competitive Landscape Driving Innovation The global autoimmune disease diagnostics market features an innovative competitive ecosystem comprising specialized diagnostic companies, biotechnology firms, and integrated healthcare technology providers. This diverse landscape fosters rapid technological advancement through sophisticated biosensor integration and specialized biomarker research development. Industry leaders are implementing integrated solutions that combine advanced diagnostic technologies with comprehensive testing portfolios and quality assurance capabilities. Companies are pursuing strategic partnerships and acquisitions while addressing scalability and accessibility challenges across different healthcare settings and patient populations. Immediate Delivery Available | Buy this Research Report (Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures and More) - Market Leaders Shaping Industry Future Key players driving the global autoimmune disease diagnostics market include Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.), Beckman Coulter, Inc. (U.S.), Abbott Laboratories (U.S.), Becton, Dickinson, and Company (U.S.), PerkinElmer, Inc. (U.S.), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland), Siemens Healthineers AG (Germany), Grifols, S.A. (Spain), and Creative Diagnostics (U.S.). These companies are focusing on strategies such as advanced biosensor technology development, comprehensive diagnostic portfolio expansion, point-of-care testing solutions, strategic partnerships and acquisitions, and geographic expansion into emerging markets to strengthen their market position and enhance diagnostic accessibility. Latest Industry Developments Recent market developments include: Biosensor Technology Advancement: Development of innovative biosensor platforms for rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective autoimmune disease detection using electrochemical, piezoelectric, and optical sensing technologies Biomarker Research Integration: Enhanced focus on autoantibody (AAb) detection and other specific biomarkers including chemokines, cytokines, and proteins for improved diagnostic accuracy and disease monitoring Point-of-Care Solutions: Strategic initiatives to develop portable and user-friendly diagnostic devices enabling rapid testing in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities Market Challenges and Opportunities While the market shows strong growth potential, it faces challenges including difficulties in accurate diagnosis of autoimmune diseases due to complex symptom patterns, unfavorable reimbursement scenarios in certain regions, high rates of delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, and regulatory compliance requirements across different jurisdictions. However, significant opportunities exist in expanding biosensor technology adoption, growing healthcare expenditure in developing countries, increasing demand for personalized diagnostic solutions, emerging applications in digital health and connected diagnostic devices, and rising need for specialized diagnostic expertise in complex autoimmune conditions. The diagnostic laboratories segment continues to dominate due to skilled workforce availability, high-throughput processing capabilities, and advanced instrumentation. However, the hospitals & clinics segment is projected to experience the highest growth, driven by increasing adoption of point-of-care testing and expanding diagnostic capabilities at primary care facilities. Related Reports: In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis Molecular Diagnostics Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis Livestock Diagnostics Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis IVD Reagents Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis About Meticulous Research® We are a trusted research partner for leading businesses worldwide, empowering Fortune 500 organizations and emerging enterprises with market intelligence designed to drive revenue transformation and strategic growth. Our insights reveal future growth opportunities, equipping clients with a competitive edge through a versatile suite of research solutions—including syndicated reports, custom research, and direct analyst engagement. To find out more, visit or follow us on LinkedIn Contact: Mr. Khushal BombeMeticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd.1267 Willis St, Ste 200 Redding,California, 96001, +1-646-781-8004Europe: +44-203-868-8738APAC: +91 744-7780008Email- sales@ Visit Our Website: with us on LinkedIn- Content Source: Logo: View original content: SOURCE Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Year-End Report 2024/2025
UPPSALA, SE / / June 18, 2025 / Biovica International (STO:BIOVIC-B)(STO:BIOVIC.B)(FRA:9II) - Positive development in the USA continues SEK t Q424/25 Q423/24 May-April 24/25 May-April 23/24 Net sales 2,332 1,899 8,619 7,290 Operating profit (loss) -20,341 -41,490 -85,839 -126,845 Profit (loss) for the period -20,766 -39,532 -87,624 -124,823 Earnings per share after dilution -0.21 -0.47 -0.95 -2.14 Number of shares at the end of the period 97,786,384 84,055,560 92,569,248 84,055,560 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 24,415 79,407 24,415 79,407 Cash flow from operating activities -17,826 -25,251 -85,367 -114,575 Average number of employees 26 35 27 37 Biovica in brief - Treatment decisions with greater certainty Biovica's vision is: "Improved care for cancer patients." Biovica develops and commercializes the blood-based biomarker assay, DiviTum TKa, which enables early-stage evaluation of treatment effectiveness. The initial focus is on breast cancer. The initial focus area is metastatic breast cancer, however study results since 2024 show that DiviTum TKa can also serve as both a predictive and prognostic tool in the adjuvant treatment of early-stage breast cancer. DiviTum TKa has obtained FDA 510(k) clearance in the USA and has CE marking in the EU. Biovica's shares are traded on the Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (BIOVIC B). FNCA Sweden AB is the company's Certified Adviser. For more information, please visit: Webcast:When: 18 June 2025, 3 PM to 4 PM CETWhere: register via: language: in English Significant events during the fourth quarter Biovica signed an agreement with Eurobio Scientific covering 60% of the European market Biovica has secured a new work order worth SEK 2.5 million for TKa testing services in the Pharma Services part of the business Biovica and Outcomes4Me have embarked on a new collaboration to empower patients with metastatic breast cancer to better understand how well their treatment is working DiviTum TKa data in combination with inflammation proteins presented at the AACR meeting enhance precision to predict efficacy of immunotherapy Significant events during the third quarter DiviTum TKa results presented at ASCO, the world's largest cancer conference Biovica signed new drug development agreement Extraordinary general meeting of Biovica International AB Biovica carried out a directed new issue of units for approximately SEK 16.4 million Biovica signed an agreement with US Biotech company in clinical phase Biovica secured a significant order for TKa testing services Biovica published the outcome of exercise of warrants from series TO3B. Biovica signed a master service agreement (MSA) with UK biotech company NewDivitum TKa data that significantly increases the market potential presented at SABCS Biovica signed an agreement with US healthcare and insurance giant Biovica's CLIA lab obtained a permit from the state of New York, which opens up the entire US market Biovica secured yet another significant order for TKa testing services Significant events after the end of the period Biovica is now collaborating with Tempus to expand the commercial reach of DiviTum TKa Biovica signed a significant Master Service Agreement (MSA) and first work under that agreement for SEK 4 million New data on DiviTum TKa use in three areas of cancer presented at ASCO Biovica secured three new assignments worth SEK 2.5 million in the Pharma Services part of the business Biovica announced financial targets subsequent to important partnership and commercial success Biovica resolved on a fully guaranteed rights issue of approximately SEK 80 million at SEK 0.63 per share Notice issued of extraordinary general meeting of Biovica International AB Biovica signed an agreement with its fifth Tier 1 biopharma company in the USA CEO's commentsImportant steps were made during the 2024/2025 financial year to establish DiviTum TKa as a standard approach to treatment monitoring in breast cancer. Strong clinical evidence, commercial success and new strategic partnerships have played a key role in solidifying our position in the US and European to the previous quarter, our sales in the USA increased by more than 25% in the fourth quarter and the positive trend has extended into the new fiscal year, following the recent close of our books. We have continued generating new clinical evidence for DiviTum TKa. The results from three cancer studies were presented at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting, which is the largest oncology conference in the world. The most impactful results, however, were those presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) in December, where seven breast cancer studies - including two focused on early-stage disease - were shared. It opens up a new, very large market for us, with estimated market potential of up to USD 3 billion. There is a significant need within the healthcare industry to optimize and streamline the use of costly treatments - such as CDK4/6 inhibitors. This is where DiviTum TKa makes a real difference - providing evidence-based, cost-effective decision support. Further confirmation came in the form of a new agreement with a leading US healthcare and insurance giant with more than 10 million policyholders and annual revenue in excess of USD 100 billion. This organization - which serves as both a healthcare provider and health insurer - has observed that policyholders are at times prescribed costly treatments that are not always effective. The use of DiviTum TKa can enhance patient outcomes - while dramatically lowering costs for the organization. The agreement makes it possible to establish DiviTum TKa as one of their standard routines for breast cancer treatment. In May 2025, we also began a collaboration with the US-based diagnostics company Tempus AI, which will offer DiviTum TKa nationwide through its network of hundreds of sales representatives in the oncology field. Tempus AI has an impressive track record, with annual revenue growth exceeding 30%. Biovica's CLIA-certified laboratory will serve as a reference lab to Tempus AI, which will enable them to include DiviTum TKa in their collection of precision medicine solutions currently offered to more than 6,500 oncologists. Within our Pharma Services business, we continued to strengthen our relationships with the pharmaceutical industry throughout the year. Subsequent to the end of the period, we signed two new MSAs with Tier 1 (annual revenue exceeding USD 10 billion) pharmaceutical companies. An initial order of approximately SEK 5 million has already been received, with call-offs expected to take place over the next 2 to 3 years. This means that we now have 18 MSAs in place, including 5 with Tier 1 companies, representing a contract volume of approximately SEK 25 million in revenue to be recognized over the next 2 to 3 years as the services are delivered. This will be a key factor in achieving the financial targets that we have announced and an important step towards more comprehensive collaborations that could lead to new, customer-financed Companion Diagnostic (CDx) products. An additional key milestone this year was our new collaboration with Eurobio Scientific - a leading in vitro diagnostics company - which expands our commercial reach across Europe. It opens the door to eight key European markets, which together account for 60% of our priority EU markets. The combination of Eurobio's extensive hospital and laboratory network with our technology lays a strong foundation for increased test adoption across Europe. We are entering the new fiscal year with renewed confidence and increased market penetration - driven in part by the recent approval for our CLIA laboratory to offer DiviTum TKa to residents of New York State, as well as the growing interest we are seeing from both commercial partners and the clinical community. Our robust network of partners and growing presence in the clinical space position us well for continued growth, which is also reflected in the financial targets that we recently announced. The goal is to increase sales to SEK 50 million during the 2025/2026 fiscal year, derived primarily from the USA and Pharma Services. At the beginning of the financial year, we completed a targeted new share issue of SEK 16.4 million to support the continued commercialization and development of our operations. Participation came from both existing shareholders and new institutional investors. Subsequent to the end of the period there is also a rights issue underway and we are hoping for a high level of participation. Our assessment is that the guaranteed amount of SEK 80 million, based on the current business plan and in line with our previously communicated financial target, will sufficiently cover our needs until the point when the company is cash flow positive around the turn of the year 2026/2027. I would like to sincerely thank our employees, investors, clinical partners and everyone else who has contributed to our success during the year. Together, we will take the next steps toward improving treatment outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients throughout the world. Anders Rylander, CEO Contact Anders Rylander, CEOPhone: +46 76 666 16 47E-mail: Anders Morén, CFOPhone: +46 73 125 92 46E-mail: Biovica - Treatment decisions with greater confidence Biovica develops and commercializes blood-based biomarker assays that help oncologists monitor cancer progression. Biovica's assay, DiviTum® TKa, measures cell proliferation by detecting the TKa biomarker in the bloodstream. The assay has demonstrated its ability to provide insight to therapy effectiveness in several clinical trials. The first application for the DiviTum® TKa test is treatment monitoring of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Biovica's vision is: "Improved care for cancer patients." Biovica collaborates with world-leading cancer institutes and pharmaceutical companies. DiviTum® TKa has received FDA 510(k) clearance in the US and is CE-marked in the EU. Biovica's shares are traded on the Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (BIOVIC B). FNCA Sweden AB is the company's Certified Adviser. For more information, please visit: This information is information that Biovica International is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 2025-06-18 08:00 CEST. Attachments Q4 2024 2025 Biovica Kommuniké 2025 04 30 Eng Final For Publikation SOURCE: Biovica International View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Medical News Today
11-06-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Aging: Healthy habits could offset stroke, dementia, depression risk
New research finds certain diseases may be more common in people with a biomarker of aging but not in those with healthy lifestyles. Ivan Gener/Stocksy Age can increase a person's risk for several health conditions, including stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. A new study has identified an aging biomarker that is more common in people who develop stroke, dementia, and depression as they age. Researchers found that study participants who followed a healthy lifestyle appeared to offset the risks associated with this aging biomarker. 'Stroke and dementia are among the most prevalent age-related diseases, affecting millions worldwide and representing major health challenges for individuals, families, and healthcare systems,' Tamara N. Kimball, MD, a post-doctoral research fellow in the Brain Care Labs at Mass General Brigham told Medical News Today . 'With their impact expected to grow dramatically as populations age — and the number of people ages 60 and over projected to increase from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion by 2030 — developing effective prevention strategies has become urgent,' she said. Kimball is the lead author of a new study recently published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, that has identified an aging biomarker that is more common in people who develop stroke, dementia, and depression as they age. However, researchers found that following a healthy lifestyle offsets the risk of the diseases associated with this aging biomarker. For this study, researchers analyzed medical records for more than 356,000 adults with a median age of 56 living in the U.K. 'Imagine your shoelaces have plastic tips that protect them from fraying — telomeres work similarly for your DNA,' Kimball explained. 'Every time your cells divide, which happens constantly as your body repairs and maintains itself, these protective tips get a little shorter. As they become shorter over time, their ability to protect DNA diminishes, leading to cellular aging and an increased susceptibility risk of age-related diseases.' 'The length of telomeres in white blood cells (leukocytes) can serve as a marker of biological aging and is influenced by genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and environmental stressors,' she added. At the study's conclusion, researchers found that study participants with the shortest telomere length had 5.82 cases per 1,000 person-years (number of people in the study and amount of time each person spent in the study) of the brain diseases dementia, stroke, and late-life depression, compared to 3.92 cases for participants with the longest telomeres. 'This shows people with the shortest telomeres presented (with) these brain diseases about 1.5 times more than those with the longest telomeres, demonstrating how biological aging affects brain health,' Kimball said. Scientists also discovered that study participants with short telomeres who had brain disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and smoking were 11% more likely to develop stroke, dementia, or depression than those with long telomeres. 'Our results demonstrate that individuals with low Brain Care Score — reflecting less favorable lifestyle factors like high blood pressure and smoking — consistently showed elevated risk for stroke, dementia, and depression when they also had shorter telomeres,' Kimball said. ' This suggests a compounded risk effect where biological aging and poor lifestyle choices increase disease susceptibility,' she said. Interestingly, Kimball and her team also found that participants with short telomeres, but who had high Brain Care Scores, did not have a higher risk of developing the studied brain diseases. 'In individuals with high Brain Care Score, the impact of leukocyte telomere length on disease risk was not significant,' Kimball explained. 'This may suggest that adopting healthier lifestyles and improving modifiable risk factors can mitigate the negative effects of having shorter telomeres.' 'Research shows that approximately 45% of dementia cases and up to 85% of strokes are linked to factors we can modify — like blood pressure, diet, and exercise,' she continued. 'Understanding the biological mechanisms by which lifestyle interventions influence cellular aging processes is essential for validating prevention strategies and developing more targeted, evidence-based interventions for brain health.' 'Our findings suggest that adopting healthier lifestyles and improving modifiable risk factors might mitigate some of the negative effects of shorter telomeres, which reflect adverse lifestyle choices in addition to social and environmental determinants of health earlier in life. In short, it is never too late to start taking better care of your brain.' — Tamara N. Kimball, MD MNT had the opportunity to speak with Clifford Segil, DO, an adult neurologist in private practice in Santa Monica, CA, who is also on staff at Providence St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, about this study. 'I am excited to see this research indicating a common cause of these three pathologies to develop into a possible treatment for telomere length protection or extension which could possibly decrease the occurrence of stroke, dementia, and depression in my elderly patients.' — Clifford Segil, DO Segil said that any time a common pathology is found between disparate neurological disease states, it is exciting as this research may stimulate a novel therapy. 'I often share with my patients that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of treatment and studies like this support my desire to help my patients with common sense practical brain health preventative strategies,' he stated. For the next steps in this research, Segil said he would like to see this research group focus on specific lifestyle traits which cause patients to be able to maintain their 'large' telomere length and therefore decrease risk of stroke, dementia, and depression to figure out what to advise my patients to do for good brain health. 'I would then want them to do the reverse and figure out which habits or lifestyle choices specifically result in 'short' telomere lengths so I could advise my patients what to avoid in life,' he added. MNT also spoke with Jasdeep S. Hundal, PsyD, ABPP-CN, director of The Center for Memory & Healthy Aging at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and associate professor of psychiatry and neurology at Hackensack Meridian Health School of Medicine in New Jersey, about this research who commented that findings are not entirely surprising, but do add value. 'Short leukocyte telomere length has long been viewed as a general marker of biological aging and this study seems to support this association, especially for people with unhealthy lifestyles.' — Jasdeep S. Hundal, PsyD, ABPP-CN 'This reinforces what we see clinically in that modifiable risk factors remain central, even in the context of genetic or biological vulnerability, to brain health as we age even if the findings are correlational. It is interesting to speculate that short telomeres aren't necessarily causing these brain diseases, but they are a warning sign, especially in the setting of poor lifestyle choices,' Hundal explained. 'The burden of age-related brain diseases is rapidly rising, and we still have no cure for the most serious dementias like Alzheimer's disease,' he continued. 'Most of the risk factors for these diseases are modifiable, so there is real potential for prevention or risk reduction, even in people who may already be showing signs of biological aging.' Hundal said that studies like this highlight that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not just 'good advice,' but can have genuine brain health consequences if someone is biologically vulnerable. 'We need more research identifying which interventions actually make a difference, for whom, and how to implement them in real-world settings,' he added. 'The focus should always be on translating findings like these into concrete strategies that help patients maintain brain health and independence for as long as possible.' Cholesterol Hypertension Stroke Alzheimer's / Dementia Seniors / Aging
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
M42, AstraZeneca, SOPHiA GENETICS to transform cancer diagnosis, care
M42, a global health leader powered by technology, announced a strategic collaboration with AstraZeneca and SOPHiA GENETICS to bring cutting-edge liquid biopsy testing to the UAE, aimed at advancing cancer diagnosis, informing treatment decisions, and enabling faster, accurate biomarker testing across a broad range of cancers. As part of the collaboration, M42 will integrate SOPHiA GENETICS' MSK-ACCESS®, powered with SOPHiA DDM™ technology, into its testing infrastructure, enabling non-invasive genomic profiling of cancers through a simple blood draw. This approach does not replace but rather complements routine cancer screenings and is designed for patients who are unable to undergo a solid tumor biopsy, enabling them to be matched with a precision therapy tailored to their specific cancer profile. Over the next 12 months, the partnership will enable liquid biopsy testing access across select leading hospitals across the UAE, providing patients with faster, less invasive biomarker insights compared to traditional tissue biopsies, while also strengthening testing infrastructure and capabilities for a wide range of cancers in the UAE. The new testing programme will initially target lung, ovarian, breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, among others, addressing some of the most critical cancer burdens in the region. Validation studies are set to commence shortly at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, marking a key milestone toward the full clinical launch planned for the latter part of Q2 2025. Albarah El-khani, Senior Vice President, Operations, Integrated Health Solutions at M42, said, 'This collaboration reflects our vision of democratising health by making advanced diagnostics accessible to more patients, supporting not just early diagnosis but also real-time treatment monitoring and cost-effective, precise, predictive, and personalized care.' Sameh El Fangary, Cluster President GCC of AstraZeneca, stated, "Our work, and our collaborations with partners across industry, are driving towards better treatments for patients as well as a more sustainable future for healthcare systems. Through our latest partnerships, we are committed to transforming cancer care for millions in the region by advancing early diagnosis and optimising patient pathways from detection to therapy.' Ross Muken, President of SOPHiA GENETICS, said, "Expanding access to advanced testing technologies is central to our mission at SOPHiA GENETICS. Partnering with M42 and AstraZeneca in the UAE allows us to equip healthcare providers with the tools they need to personalise care, monitor disease in real-time, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients across the region."
