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Eli Lilly Teams Up with Qiagen for Alzheimer’s Genotype Test

SOUTH CAROLINA – September 10, 2024 – Qiagen has partnered with Eli Lilly to develop an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) that can detect apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease.

Qiagen plans to add the APOE genotyping test, QIAstat-Dx IVD panel, to its QIAstat-Dx testing platform. The QIAstat-Dx IVD panel will be able to detect all three APOE genotypes, APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4.

The presence of APOE genes is associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Studies into APOE genotyping and Alzheimer’s risk suggest that different APOE variants may be associated with differentiated Alzheimer’s risk across age, sex, race, and ethnicity. Individuals with the APOE4 genotype have a higher risk of developing early-onset Alzheimer’s, with those having two copies of the APOE4 gene being more likely to develop clinical symptoms of the disease.

Multiple companies are developing diagnostic blood tests for diagnosing Alzheimer’s. According to GlobalData analysis, there are currently 76 active Alzheimer’s IVD platforms in development, with ten devices currently undergoing clinical trials. The commonly used diagnostic biomarker in IVD assays is the presence of tau proteins in the blood.

Lilly previously partnered with Roche to develop a tau biomarker assay. In April 2024, the companies secured a breakthrough device designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Elecsys pTau217 plasma biomarker assay. The test is expected to be used as a screening tool for Alzheimer’s to help identify the presence or absence of amyloid pathology in individuals. A positive result signifies a high likelihood of having a positive amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) / cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) result.

In November 2023, C2N Diagnostics published a study showing that its blood biomarker Precivity test helped increase the accuracy of amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) classification in pre-clinical Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that for the evaluated biomarker, plasma p-tau217/np-tau217 had the highest accuracy, followed by Aβ42/Aβ40 and p-tau181/np-tau181 for identifying amyloid PET status. Each of the biomarker ratios for the p-tau217, Aβ42, and p-tau181 were more robust in identifying amyloid PET status compared to their absolute concentration values.

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.