A system for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease using exosomes

Automated High-purity Exosome isolation-based AD diagnostics system (AHEADx)

['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11085105

This study is working on a new, easy way to use tiny particles called exosomes from your body fluids to help doctors detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease without needing invasive tests.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11085105 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing an automated system for isolating high-purity exosomes to improve the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Exosomes are tiny vesicles that carry important biological information and can be found in various body fluids. By utilizing these exosomes, the research aims to create a non-invasive, point-of-care diagnostic test that can detect early signs of AD more accurately and efficiently than current methods. This approach seeks to overcome the limitations of existing diagnostic techniques, which are often invasive and costly.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals showing early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or those at high risk for developing the condition.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who do not exhibit any symptoms related to cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more accessible and accurate method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease at an early stage.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using exosomes as biomarkers for various diseases, indicating potential success for this novel approach in Alzheimer's diagnostics.

Where this research is happening

DURHAM, 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 disease screening, 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.