Project Overview
Innovative methods that enable brain-derived proteins to be measured in blood samples are transforming the field of neurology. For example, it is now possible to use a blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease and to monitor treatment in Multiple Sclerosis. This project will establish The University of British Columbia (UBC) Platform for Neurology Biomarker Innovation (PNBI). PNBI specializes in the analysis of protein biomarkers in plasma, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) across a wide variety of brain disorders including neurodegeneration, dementia, neurotrauma, neuroinflammatory disease, neurocritical care, brain development and aging, and social and environmental determinants of brain health. In 2016, PNBI was the first in Canada to acquire specialized infrastructure needed for brain biomarker research. By enabling clinicians to access PNBI’s equipment and expertise in laboratory medicine through collaborative research studies and trials, over the past 9 years PNBI has grown the largest and most comprehensive academic research programs on neurology biomarkers in North America. To date, PNBI has produced 42 research papers, attracted >$75 million in research funding, established a collaborative and diverse network of >140 local, national and international academic, industry and government partners, and employed 26 trainees and staff. PNBI research aims to improve diagnosis and management of neurological disorders for all Canadians. Earlier diagnosis and better access to and monitoring of interventions will reduce the multibillion-dollar burden of neurological disease and incalculable costs for patients and their families. The prioritization of blood tests as the primary product of PNBI research aims to reduce neuroimaging costs and improve equitable access to state-of-the-art diagnostics regardless of where a patient lives. Brain Canada Platform Support Grant funding will enable PNBI to further accelerate research, grow its user base, support knowledge mobilization, create new biomarker assays, and continue its Canadian leadership in dementia biomarker studies.
Partners & Donors
Michael Smith Health Research BC (Health Research BC)
CLEAR Foundation
Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
