A blood test using tiny cell particles to find early Alzheimer's

Validation and clinicaldevelopment of plasma EV protein biomarkers for minimally-invasive detection of Alzheimersdisease

['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] · TYMORA ANALYTICAL OPERATIONS, LLC · NIH-11195528

This project is developing a simple blood test that looks for protein signals in tiny particles released by cells to help identify Alzheimer's early in people with memory concerns.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_SBIR_2']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTYMORA ANALYTICAL OPERATIONS, LLC (nih funded)
Locations1 site (WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11195528 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would give a small blood sample and the lab would pull out tiny membrane-bound particles called extracellular vesicles to look for brain-related proteins. The team created a faster method in Phase I to enrich those proteins from plasma and now plans clinical validation using patient blood samples, including people with mild cognitive impairment. The goal is a minimally invasive, lower-cost test that could be used repeatedly to track changes over time. If it works, it would be easier and quicker than many current tests and could be used at regular doctor visits.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults with new or worsening memory problems, mild cognitive impairment, or concerns about early Alzheimer's.

Not a fit: People with advanced Alzheimer's or dementia caused by non‑Alzheimer conditions are less likely to benefit from this diagnostic-focused work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide an easier, less invasive way to detect Alzheimer's earlier and monitor disease progression over time.

How similar studies have performed: Researchers have seen promising signals using extracellular vesicles from cerebrospinal fluid, but blood-based EV protein tests are newer and still need clinical proof.

Where this research is happening

WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer disease detection, Alzheimer syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.