NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Creating a blood test to detect neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's

Official title: Development of a blood-based test for neurodegenerative diseases

Funded at 3d Bioanalytix, INC. · NIH-10922630 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on a new blood test that can help doctors spot Alzheimer's and other brain diseases earlier by looking for specific proteins that are out of shape, making it easier to get the right treatment for you.

More Neurodegenerative Diseases research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institution3d Bioanalytix, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Diego, United States)
Project startSeptember 25, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$472,695
NIH project number1R41AG087866-01
Project IDNIH-10922630 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing early signs of cognitive decline or those at risk for neurodegenerative diseases.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not experiencing cognitive issues or who have already been diagnosed with advanced neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a blood-based diagnostic test that can identify and differentiate neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease. By utilizing a novel technology called Covalent Protein Painting, the researchers will analyze misfolded protein aggregates that are characteristic of these conditions. This approach seeks to provide an early detection method, which is currently lacking, and could help physicians make more accurate diagnoses and tailor treatments accordingly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a reliable blood test that allows for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using blood tests for neurodegenerative disease detection is gaining interest, this specific method using Covalent Protein Painting is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.

Where this research is happening

  • 3d Bioanalytix, INC.
    San Diego, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Pankow, Sandra — 3d Bioanalytix, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Pankow, Sandra

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.