Early Dementia Diagnosis Based on Blood Test to Become Possible in 2019

The Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning and the Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST) announced on February 1 that a research team led by Dr. Kim Young-soo and Dr. Hwang Kyo-sun at the Brain Science Institute of the KIST transferred its technique for early dementia diagnosis to Alpinion Medical Systems, which is a medical equipment manufacturer of the Iljin Group.

The contract is estimated to worth at least 330 billion won, including running royalty and advance payment. The technique utilizing a blood test for early dementia diagnosis is expected to become commercially available in 2019.

Two years ago, the research team developed the technique by checking the blood concentration of beta amyloid, which is known as a protein that causes dementia. Specifically, a method for finding the pathological correlation between beta amyloid in blood and the disease and quantitatively measuring the protein and a micro-interdigitated electrode sensor for detecting a trace of the protein in blood have been transferred to Alpinion Medical Systems at this time.

The KIST mentioned that the commercial utilization of the technique will be available in 2019 based on the ministry’s assistance and support for follow-up research activities.