Beckman Coulter Diagnostics and Fujirebio Inc., two world-renowned leaders in clinical diagnostics and neurological markers respectively, have joined forces to revolutionize therapeutic development and clinical adoption in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. This powerful partnership promises improved support for clinical trials, reimbursement programs, and practice-changing insights in the global quest to combat neurodegenerative conditions.
Nerves diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, are on the rise globally, with over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia, according to estimates from Alzheimer’s Disease International. This number is set to skyrocket to 139 million by 2050.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for those affected—the recent approval of two monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics by the FDA for treating these disorders has opened the door to potentially life-saving treatments. Currently, the pipeline of new treatments has never been more robust, with over 100 disease modifying drug candidates in development.
In a groundbreaking partnership, Beckman Coulter and Fujirebio has joined forces to tackle the vexing challenge of neurodegenerative disease. Known for its innovative biomarker assays, and expertise in generating reliable clinical evidence, Fujirebio brings to the table capabilities for detecting and diagnosing the most advanced neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s Disease.
Meanwhile, Beckman Coulter’s high-sensitivity detection technologies, together with its wide availability among immunoassay analyzers, make it the perfect complement to Fujirebio’s work. By joining forces, the two companies aim to make disease diagnosis faster, easier and more reliable by providing a patient-friendly blood-based diagnostic alternative to the current PET-imaging and lumbar puncture options.
With better and more affordable diagnostics at their disposal, healthcare providers will be armed with the tools they need to give people better and faster access to breakthrough Alzheimer’s Disease treatments.
At Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, we recognize the importance of providing access to quality, blood-based tests for Alzheimer’s Disease. As such, we are thrilled to announce the combination of Fujirebio, the world’s leading biomarker discovery & immunoassay platform, with the high-sensitivity immunoassay capabilities of Beckman Coulter’s installed base.
With this powerful combination, neurologists and medical practitioners will have unprecedented access to advanced neurodegenerative assays that can be deployed in practically any corner of the globe. Our President, Julie Sawyer Montgomery, is passionate about creating improved access to care, and believes that this partnership is a major milestone in the world of diagnostics.
“This collaboration with Beckman Coulter is an incredible opportunity to accelerate the deployment of our portfolio of new and innovative neurodegenerative biomarkers to laboratories and clinicians around the world.
As the leader in providing cutting-edge immunoassays to the diagnostics industry, this partnership marks an essential step towards faster transitioning of these markers from research to clinical use in every major geography and, ultimately, a higher standard of care for patients and their families in the fight against this crippling disease.”
Beckman Coulter and Fujirebio have formed a partnership to tackle the growing global need for blood-based diagnostics for Alzheimer’s Disease. By leveraging Fujirebio’s assay technology with Beckman Coulter’s Access Family of Immunoassay Analyzers, their initial assay development efforts will focus on the recently introduced DxI 9000 Access Immunoassay Analyzer and the widespread Access Family Immunoassay Analyzers, known for their sensitivity and clinically-relevant assays. Together, they are hopeful their work will help make a significant impact in serving tomorrow’s challenging diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease.
Fujirebio is leading the path towards earlier and more reliable diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Recently obtaining FDA authorization for an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) test which utilizes cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to assess β-amyloid pathology, Fujirebio has gone on to develop a full menu of research-use only (RUO) blood-based neurodegenerative biomarkers. This range includes β-amyloid1-42, β-amyloid1-40, phospho-Tau181, neurofilament light (NfL), ApoE4, and Pan-ApoE, all of which have the potential to revolutionize the assessment of neurological disorders.
Through the recent acquisition of ADx NeuroSciences, even more biomarkers have become available and Fujirebio is now on the path to validating the clinical performance of these biomarkers in blood. With development currently in progress to bring these tests through the regulations in the US, Europe, and Japan using Beckman Coulter’s large installed base of analyzers, the future of Alzheimer’s diagnosis looks promising.
About Fujirebio
Fujirebio, a leading provider of high-quality in vitro diagnostics (IVD), has been making waves in the global market with its groundbreaking solutions for the past 50 years. With their years of expertise, they have successfully conceived, developed, produced and marketed robust IVD products all around the world. With a member of the H.U. Group Holdings Inc. as part of their team, they are ready to take IVD to the next level.
For over 25 years, Fujirebio has been pioneering the development and marketing of CSF biomarkers through its Innogenetics brand. Fujirebio remains the only company to offer a wide range of manual and automated AD assays.
By partnering with research organizations and clinical experts globally, Fujirebio is constantly creating innovative solutions to facilitate earlier, simpler, and more comprehensive neurodegenerative diagnostics.
About Beckman Coulter. Inc.
For over 80 years, Beckman Coulter has defied convention and revolutionized the way doctors and healthcare providers diagnose and treat patients. Our ultimate mission is to Relentlessly Reimagine Healthcare, One Diagnosis at a Time, and to do so by empowering our teams with the tools of science, technology, and passion.
Our diagnostic solutions and lab automation technologies are being used worldwide, from hospitals to reference laboratories to physician offices. Together, we strive to transform patient care through faster, smarter diagnostic solutions and to move the needle from what’s now to what’s next. Beckman Coulter is part of the Danaher Corporation family of science and technology companies, with more than 11,000 global team members headquartered in Brea, Calif.