Blood-based tau biomarker test to diagnose and predict Alzheimer’s progression
Official title: Clinical validation of plasma MTBR-tau243 in AD diagnostics and prognostics
Funded at Lunds Universitet · NIH-11425758 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A blood test measuring plasma MTBR-tau243 will be clinically validated to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and predict how it will progress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lunds Universitet NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lund, Sweden) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,901,605 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AG102864-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11425758 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with memory concerns or suspected Alzheimer’s who may require diagnostic clarification or prognostic information.
✕Less likely to help
People without Alzheimer’s pathology or those whose condition is due to non-Alzheimer’s causes may not benefit from this biomarker.
What this research studies
This project aims to validate a blood biomarker, MTBR-tau243, that reflects tau pathology associated with Alzheimer’s, using large patient cohorts from Sweden and the United States. Researchers will establish diagnostic cutoffs and test their accuracy in differentiating Alzheimer’s from other conditions, and in predicting cognitive decline over time. The study builds on prior work showing that MTBR-tau243 complements existing biomarkers, creating a two-step approach with p-tau217 and MTBR-tau243 to improve diagnostic confidence. The validation will use scalable assays in real-world memory clinics to prepare a clinically usable test that could reduce reliance on invasive procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this blood test could enable earlier, more accurate Alzheimer’s diagnosis and better prognosis with simpler, less invasive testing.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest that combining biomarkers improves diagnostic accuracy; this project advances clinically validated, scalable testing in real-world settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Lunds Universitet
Lund, Sweden Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palmqvist, Sebastian — Lunds Universitet
- Study coordinator: Palmqvist, Sebastian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.