UNLV and the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation (GAP) have announced a collaboration aimed at accelerating the development of new biomarker and diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s disease and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The partnership seeks to expand access to clinical trials, particularly within Southern Nevada's diverse communities.
This alliance leverages the strengths of both institutions to address the urgent need for effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. With nearly 7 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s, the demand for new therapies is critical. The collaboration intends to enhance the quantity and quality of clinical trials, providing more opportunities for Southern Nevadans to participate in cutting-edge research.
"With nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s today, new treatments can’t come soon enough," said UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield. "This important collaboration with the Global Alzheimer's Platform Foundation will give more Southern Nevadans access to clinical trials, enable researchers to boost the quantity and quality of trials, and offer students unique real-world experiences."
Focus on Biomarkers and Diagnostics
The collaboration will utilize resources from UNLV’s Pam Quirk Brain Health Biomarker Laboratory to support clinical practice and trials. UNLV researchers will also gain expanded access to GAP’s extensive biomarker datasets, including data from the Bio-Hermes trial, which enrolled over 1,000 participants with nearly a quarter from traditionally underrepresented communities. This access is expected to significantly enhance the development of new diagnostic tools and treatments.
Educational Opportunities for Students
UNLV students will benefit from the integration of brain health and clinical research into the curriculum of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. This initiative will provide students with valuable hands-on experience in brain science and innovation. Furthermore, the collaboration anticipates hosting an annual conference focused on the science and industrial applications of biomarker technologies for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
Addressing the Alzheimer's Crisis in Nevada
According to Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, a research professor in UNLV’s Department of Brain Health, approximately 43,000 Nevadans are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The UNLV/GAP alliance aims to provide best-in-class brain health programs and scientific research opportunities, bolstering resources for Southern Nevadans at risk for neurodegenerative diseases. The collaboration hopes to attract more Alzheimer’s-focused researchers to the Las Vegas Valley and generate increased funding opportunities for Alzheimer’s research.
"We are honored to work with UNLV, which is well known as a disruptive problem solver," said John Dwyer, president of the Global Alzheimer's Platform Foundation. "UNLV’s team of nationally renowned neurological researchers, combined with a growing medical school, are a perfect complement to our strategy for creating a state-of-the-art research center capable of developing novel solutions for the nearly intractable challenges CNS research presents."
