Point-of-care AQP4 antibody test to diagnose NMO in low-resource settings
Official title: Capacity Building for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica using Point of Care Aquaporin-4 Antibody Testing
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11621891 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A low-cost, mail-in dried-blood-spot test is being studied to diagnose neuromyelitis optica in people who live far from big labs or in low-income countries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $111,432 |
| NIH project number | 3RF1TW013269-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11621891 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with suspected neuromyelitis optica or related autoimmune CNS diseases, especially those in rural or low-resource settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to the testing pathway or who do not have suspected NMO may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project aims to bring a simple AQP4 antibody test to patients with suspected neuromyelitis optica who live in rural areas or in low- and middle-income countries. Small blood samples collected on filter paper can be mailed to a lab for processing, enabling quicker and more accessible diagnosis. The study builds collaborations between a major U.S. center and international partners to validate a robust, room-temperature test that works in challenging settings. The goal is to reduce delays in diagnosis and expand testing to underserved populations. Participation would involve collecting dried blood spots and following specimen handling procedures as samples are sent for analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients in underserved areas could receive faster and more affordable diagnosis for NMO, guiding timely treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest dried blood spot testing can detect AQP4 antibodies with good sensitivity in real-world settings, but broader validation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mateen, Farrah Jasmine — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Mateen, Farrah Jasmine
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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.