NEW YORK, March 30, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ ----Biomarkers have become increasingly important to Alzheimer's disease research as a method for risk assessment, early detection, testing new therapies and eventual early intervention with better drugs once they are developed. As part of its ongoing research and development of biomarkers for Alzheimer's and other diseases, BARC Central Laboratory is pleased to announce it has joined the Alzheimer's Association Research Roundtable. As a Sponsor, BARC will be participating in the Roundtable presentations and related subcommittee meetings, with particular focus on the evolution of biochemical biomarkers as prognostic and diagnostic indicators.
A biomarker is a substance or characteristic that can be objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal body processes, disease processes, or the body's response(s) to a therapeutic intervention.
It is widely believed that Alzheimer's disease brain changes, including amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, begin many years before symptoms are evident or there is significant death of brain cells. It is critical to identify affected individuals while they are still cognitively normal so that future disease modifying therapies can preserve normal function. The testing and eventual use of such therapies requires identification of affected and "at risk" individuals in order to steer them to clinical trials, and to direct and monitor therapy.
"Alzheimer's disease is without question a growing epidemic and major public health concern. The Alzheimer's Association is the preeminent U.S. voluntary health organization in the research community's drive to eradicate Alzheimer's disease, and BARC looks forward to advancing early detection and treatment for Alzheimer's in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association and other Research Roundtable member companies," said Rudi Marien, CEO of the BARC Group.
A biomarker is a substance or characteristic that can be objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal body processes, disease processes, or the body's response(s) to a therapeutic intervention.
It is widely believed that Alzheimer's disease brain changes, including amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, begin many years before symptoms are evident or there is significant death of brain cells. It is critical to identify affected individuals while they are still cognitively normal so that future disease modifying therapies can preserve normal function. The testing and eventual use of such therapies requires identification of affected and "at risk" individuals in order to steer them to clinical trials, and to direct and monitor therapy.
"Alzheimer's disease is without question a growing epidemic and major public health concern. The Alzheimer's Association is the preeminent U.S. voluntary health organization in the research community's drive to eradicate Alzheimer's disease, and BARC looks forward to advancing early detection and treatment for Alzheimer's in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association and other Research Roundtable member companies," said Rudi Marien, CEO of the BARC Group.
"Discovery of measurable markers that track with the presence of Alzheimer's pathology and that predict the development of cognitive decline in people who are still cognitively normal, known as 'antecedent biomarkers,' are especially needed," said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer's Association. "We are very pleased that BARC has chosen to become part of the Research Roundtable, and look forward to their valuable contributions to the group."
The Alzheimer's Association Research Roundtable is a consortium of scientists from the pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostics, imaging and cognitive testing industries along with Association staff and advisors. The Research Roundtable's mission is to facilitate the development and implementation of new treatments for Alzheimer's disease by collectively addressing obstacles to research and development, clinical care, and public health education.
About BARC
Bio Analytical Research Corporation (BACR
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About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association, the nonprofit world leader in Alzheimer's research and support, is the first and largest U.S. voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's. For more than 25 years, the donor-supported Alzheimer's Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes. For more information, call (800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org.
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