Neurophet, a company specializing in AI solutions for brain disease imaging, announced Friday that it will collaborate with biotech firm AriBio to create a next-generation diagnostic platform for Alzheimer's disease.

The partnership aims to integrate Neurophet's magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain analysis technology with AriBio's blood-based biomarker tests, adopting a new approach to Alzheimer's diagnosis. 

AriBio also works with Pennsylvania-based Fujirebio Diagnostics, specializing in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood diagnostics for neurodegenerative diseases, to leverage Alzheimer's biomarkers in research and clinical trials.

Current diagnostic methods for Alzheimer's typically involve amyloid positron emission tomography (amyloid-PET) imaging or CSF testing, both of which have limitations. 

According to Neuropeht, amyloid-PET imaging is costly, while CSF testing requires an invasive lumbar puncture, which can be painful and time-consuming, often hindering patient access to necessary care.

Neurophet and AriBio are developing a platform that combines MRI analysis with blood-based biomarker testing to address these challenges. The new approach aims to provide early predictions of individuals at risk for amyloid beta protein positivity before proceeding to amyloid-PET imaging, according to Neurophet. Thus, it will reduce unnecessary procedures and enhance accessibility to Alzheimer's screening.

“Through our participation in the AR1001 global phase 3 clinical trial, we will gather extensive medical data and produce significant research outcomes across various aspects,” Neurophet CEO Been Jun-kil said. “We believe the successful development of this platform will dramatically lower the medical costs associated with dementia diagnosis and treatment while increasing patient convenience.”

AriBio CEO Choung Jai-jun emphasized the importance of accessibility and convenience for Alzheimer's patients and their families. 

“We are committed to developing a safe and convenient oral pill treatment,” Choung said. “The synergy between Neurophet's advanced brain imaging technology and blood-based diagnostic methods will enhance the accessibility of Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.”

In January, Neurophet partnered with AriBio to participate in the global phase 3 clinical trial of AR1001, an oral treatment for Alzheimer's. Neurophet's imaging analytics technology helps identify patient populations for the trial. 

According to Neurophet, the collaboration will also involve joint research and business development using data from the large-scale, multi-country AR1001 clinical trial, which encompasses imaging, blood, and CSF data.