Neurogen Biomarking announced a strategic partnership with NeuroX, a venture of American TelePhysicians, to provide virtual neurology services through its innovative brain health care ecosystem. The collaboration aims to transform early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) by significantly reducing diagnostic delays and improving access to specialized care.
Neurogen's platform represents the first patient-initiated system designed to shift the paradigm of early Alzheimer's detection through improved access to blood biomarker testing and AI-enhanced digital cognitive assessments. NeuroX's board-certified neurologists will support eligible patients via telehealth, providing follow-up care and accelerating access to expert cognitive services—delivered in weeks rather than the months-long wait times typically seen in traditional neurology care.
"Neurogen's partnership with NeuroX is helping us achieve our goal to reimagine the patient journey for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment," said Dr. Rany Aburashed, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Neurogen Biomarking. "The current standard of care for Alzheimer's disease is inefficient and delays diagnosis of AD by years. Our partnership with NeuroX enhances our ability to shift that paradigm bringing their board-certified neurologists with specialized training in the nuances of early AD detection testing to everyone eligible."
Addressing Critical Gaps in Neurological Care
The collaboration addresses significant challenges in the current healthcare landscape. Patients with memory and thinking concerns typically first consult their primary care physician before being referred to a neurologist—a process that can take 45 to 50 months, delaying AD diagnosis by years and potentially missing the window for effective intervention.
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) anticipates a 19% gap between the demand for and supply of neurologists by 2025, driven by an aging population and increasing prevalence of neurological disorders. This shortage compounds the diagnostic challenges for the estimated 7 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer's dementia in 2024.
Statistics highlight the urgent need for improved detection methods:
- Approximately 40% of Americans age 65+ experience memory impairment, affecting around 16 million people
- Only 8% of Americans living with mild cognitive impairment receive a diagnosis, leaving 92% undiagnosed
- The process of developing Alzheimer's disease is slow, with 15-20 years before the onset of MCI, which itself precedes Alzheimer's disease by many years
"We're entering a new era in brain health—one where early detection and individualized insight can transform how we approach cognitive wellness," said Dr. Umar Farooq, Co-Founder and Chief of Neurology Services at NeuroX. "Understanding the brain's trajectory before symptoms appear empowers people to take meaningful steps toward preserving their cognitive function and overall well-being."
An Integrated Approach to Early Detection
The Neurogen Biomarking platform offers a comprehensive patient journey that begins with Linus Health's advanced digital cognitive assessments to identify high-risk individuals and determine eligibility for further evaluation. Once eligible, patients receive a blood biomarker collection test administered by a phlebotomist in the privacy of their home.
The blood sample is sent to a certified laboratory that measures phosphorylated tau (ptau217), a specific marker for Alzheimer's disease pathology. NeuroX's board-certified telehealth neurologists then guide patients through several key aspects of their journey:
- Blood Biomarker Test Results Interpretation for people with elevated ptau217, explaining the nuances of the test and guiding them to appropriate resources in the healthcare system
- A personalized brain health report that explains the outcome of the in-depth cognitive assessment in easy-to-understand language
- Personalized brain health action plans to improve lifestyle, including recommendations for exercise, diet, and sleep
Expanding Access Through Strategic Partnerships
Neurogen is expanding partnerships nationwide through the Neurogen Diamond Network, connecting with large practice groups and academic centers. This network, along with the NeuroX telehealth partnership, puts Neurogen at the forefront of improving nationwide access to innovative brain care and technology.
NeuroX leverages board-certified neurologists, advanced AI tools, and personalized care pathways to support patients and caregivers—bringing specialized brain health expertise directly into the biomarker-driven care journey through its participation in the CMS GUIDE Model and integrated virtual care ecosystem.
The collaboration includes other key partners: Linus Health, which provides digital cognitive assessments for patients with memory concerns, and Quanterix Corporation, a company specializing in ultrasensitive biomarker detection. The integrated platform is scheduled for commercial availability in 2025 for individuals with eligible memory and thinking concerns.
The Future of Alzheimer's Detection
This partnership represents a significant advancement in the approach to Alzheimer's detection and management. By combining specialized neurological expertise with cutting-edge biomarker testing and digital assessment tools, Neurogen and NeuroX are creating a more accessible, efficient pathway for early diagnosis—potentially transforming outcomes for millions affected by or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
The collaboration also aligns with broader trends in healthcare that emphasize preventive approaches, personalized medicine, and the integration of telehealth services to overcome barriers to specialized care. As the platform becomes commercially available in 2025, it may serve as a model for addressing other neurological conditions that benefit from early detection and intervention.
