Grifols, a global healthcare company specializing in plasma-derived medicines, has been granted $21 million by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) to spearhead a pilot study aimed at identifying plasma-based biomarkers predictive of Parkinson's disease (PD) development. The Chronos PD initiative seeks to uncover biological signatures in plasma samples that could indicate an increased risk of developing Parkinson's years before the onset of clinical symptoms, potentially paving the way for new disease-modifying therapies.
The Chronos PD study will analyze over 100 million biospecimens sourced from Grifols' plasma bank. These samples are connected to anonymized real-world health data, offering a comprehensive view of various disease states. By studying changes in plasma proteins over time, researchers hope to establish an early-warning system for Parkinson's disease.
Longitudinal Plasma Analysis
The $21 million award will fund a pilot study analyzing longitudinal plasma samples collected over a period of up to 10 years. This approach allows researchers to track the evolution of distinct plasma proteins in individuals who develop PD, potentially revealing early indicators of the disease. According to a fact sheet on Chronos PD, this provides "an uninterrupted look at [Parkinson's] evolution at a molecular level over a long period of time."
Alkahest's Role
Grifols' subsidiary, Alkahest, specializing in artificial intelligence and integrative analysis of multiomics, will lead the Chronos PD initiative. Alkahest will leverage its expertise to analyze the vast amount of data generated from the plasma samples, aiming to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
The Need for Early Detection
Currently, Parkinson's disease diagnosis relies on a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and brain imaging. However, this process can take years, and by the time a diagnosis is made, the disease has often progressed significantly, making treatment more challenging. Biomarkers could enable at-risk individuals to make lifestyle changes and receive treatment earlier, potentially slowing the disease's progression.
Expert Perspective
"Our groundbreaking initiative leverages Grifols' one-of-a-kind storehouse of well-preserved plasma samples, the most comprehensive technology platforms and our unique plasma proteomics expertise," said Dr. Jörg Schüttrumpf, Grifols Chief Scientific Innovation Officer. "Going back in time to search for the earliest signs of PD, even before symptoms appear, has potential to revolutionize PD management. The hope is to accelerate and ultimately develop new diagnostics and disease-modifying therapeutics that could mitigate or even prevent the condition from manifesting itself."
