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Currently, more than 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, and with increasing life expectancy, this number is expected to rise to 130 million by 2050.^* Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common form of dementia and accounts for approximately 60%-70% of all cases, is caused by Aβ peptides accumulating in the brain, resulting in damage to nerve cells. Once damaged, it is difficult for nerve cells to regenerate, so early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

 

The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease requires technology to identify the accumulation of Aβ in the brain. However, conventional testing methods have issues in terms of their invasiveness and cost, so there is a demand for less invasive and simpler testing and diagnostic techniques.

 

In recent years, there has been an increase in the development of new therapeutic drugs worldwide that address the underlying pathology of Alzheimer's disease, so testing and diagnosis are becoming even more important for the appropriate use and dissemination of these drugs.

 

Sysmex has been developing a technology to more quickly and readily identify the accumulation of Aβ in the brain in order to solve issues in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. In February 2016, Sysmex and Eisai Co., Ltd. entered into a comprehensive non-exclusive collaboration agreement for the creation of new diagnostic reagents in the field of dementia, and have been developing the Product by utilizing each company’s technologies and knowledge. On December 28, 2021, Sysmex submitted an application for manufacturing and marketing approval for the Product to Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA).

 

The newly approved Product assists in identifying the level of accumulation of Aβ in the brain by measuring the ratio of Aβ peptides (the 1-42 peptide and 1-40 peptide) in the blood using Sysmex’s HISCL-Series, which employs chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) as its measurement principle. Unlike conventional testing methods, the Product allows testing with blood, thus reducing the physical, emotional, and financial burden on patients with suspected Aβ accumulation in the brain. Furthermore, the product is expected to contribute to early diagnosis and early determination of optimal treatment plans for patients. In addition, automated assays using the HISCL-Series— which requires only 10 to 30 μL of blood (plasma) with a measurement time of just 17 minutes—will also help improve the efficiency and standardization of testing.

 

In order to expand opportunities for patients to receive this testing, we plan to prepare for the early introduction of the Product to the market, while working toward its coverage by Japanese national health insurance.

 

Sysmex will continue to develop testing and diagnostic techniques that reduce the burden on patients with Alzheimer's disease and promote the widespread use of the technologies we develop in Japan and overseas, thereby creating an environment in which healthcare professionals can begin treatment of the disease as soon as possible. At the same time, we will strive to improve the QOL of patients and their families.