ADmit Therapeutics, a CataloniaBio & HealthTech member, announces a new investment of up to $1,886,058 from the Diagnostics Accelerator at the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation. The investment represents a continuation of the Diagnostics Accelerator’s support for the clinical validation and regulatory approval of their breakthrough technology based on novel biomarkers related to mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial DNA is the circular chromosome found inside mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production within cells. DNA methylation, a chemical modification where a methyl group is added to the DNA, plays an important role in­ regulating gene expression. DNA methylation changes are associated with a number of diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.

ADmit is developing a test using next-generation sequencing and a machine learning approach to measure methylation changes in mitochondrial DNA that can predict the progression to Alzheimer’s disease dementia from Mild Cognitive Impairment. Employing this technology for clinical trial screening and patient enrollment has the potential to reduce timelines and costs associated with clinical trials, boosting opportunities for the identification of new and effective drugs.

The Diagnostics Accelerator, created in July 2018, is a partnership of funders with commitments totaling $100 million to develop novel biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. In the initiative's newly launched second phase, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), Eli Lilly & Company, Biogen and the Shanahan Family Foundation added their support to that of initial partners including ADDF Co-Founder Leonard A. Lauder, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott, the Dolby family, the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation, and The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, among others.

The Diagnostics Accelerator is dedicated to advancing the development of low cost, minimally invasive, scalable biomarkers and diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Through translational research awards and access to consulting support from industry experts, this program focuses on accelerating innovation in both academia and industry towards the development of novel peripheral and digital biomarkers for Alzheimer’s. To learn more about the initiative, visit the website.

Photo: ADmit Therapeutics team