In A First, Alzheimer's Blood Test Available in US From June
The first blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease will be available from late June in the US following regulatory clearance for its use last week, according to the Japanese company behind the innovation.
The test will initially be available at about 50 American research institutes and hospitals that specialise in Alzheimer's disease, Goki Ishikawa, head of Fujirebio Holdings Inc., a unit of Japan's H.U. Group Holdings Inc., said in an interview Tuesday. It's partnering with bigger rivals like Beckman Coulter Inc. to help develop and manufacture their products, he said.
The Food and Drug Administration cleared the blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease last week, potentially making it easier to find and treat patients with the memory-robbing disease that affects nearly 7 million Americans.
The test was cleared for use in people at least 55 years old and who exhibit signs of the disease. It is designed to detect amyloid, a protein that can build up in the brain and is a hallmark of Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia in the elderly.
The process, which takes roughly 30 minutes from drawing the blood to diagnosis, will be available to patients at a fraction of the cost of a PET scan. The method is viewed as a critical step in making new types of Alzheimer's treatments widely accessible.
Until now, patients typically have to get a specialised PET scan to detect amyloid in their brains or undergo cerebrospinal fluid tests, both of which are more expensive and invasive. The lack of quick and easy tests has until now slowed the rollout of new Alzheimer's drugs like Eisai Co. and Biogen Inc.'s Leqembi and Eli Lilly & Co.'s Kisunla.
The company plans to file data to seek approvals in Japan as early as August and Europe within this year, Ishikawa said. In China, Fujirebio's undisclosed partner will probably submit data to regulators next year, he added. The company's partner in India, Agappe Diagnostics Ltd., has already filed data to seek clearance in the country, according to Ishikawa.
"We have a presence in Japan but that's not necessarily the case in markets overseas," said Ishikawa. "We can't get the market shares by ourselves, but if we supply the raw materials to partners, we can benefit through them."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital partners with Japanese firm to research myopia control treatment
Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital has partnered with Menicon Co. Ltd, a Japan-based contact lens manufacturing company, to undertake research and development in myopia control treatment. They have started clinical studies in India using an orthokeratology lens that is worn overnight to improve vision, with the aim of checking its efficacy and safety for children in India. On Monday, Ashvin Agarwal, chief clinical officer, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, and Shunsuke Yamagishi, regional director, China and Asia-Oceania International Business Head Office, Menicon Co. Ltd, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for joint research and development efforts to develop myopia control treatment, training ophthalmologists and optometrists, raising awareness on the treatment as well as expansion plans in India and neighbouring regions, according to a press release. Myopia cases have increased significantly in India from 4% in 1999 to 21% in 2019. It is expected to grow to 30% in the next five years, to 40% by 2040 and 48% by 2050, Dr. Ashvin said. One of the main aims of this tie-up is to reduce the incidence of myopia, he added. Backed by the Japanese government, they have initiated the study to explore effective strategies for controlling and mitigating vision-related issues. The study was launched by the Research and Development unit of the clinical board of the hospital. Orthokeratology lenses are custom-made and designed to gently reshape the cornea to correct myopia, the release said. The technology was to basically help patients at risk of myopia, such as those with a family history and those with the early stages of the condition, Dr. Ashvin said. With the growing challenges of myopia, this partnership marks a significant step towards tackling the issue, Mr. Yamagishi said. S.V. Chandrakumar, project director, State Programme Officer, Tamil Nadu State Blindness Control Society, took part.
Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Economic Times
'What a magical thing that is': Carl Sagan's wise words on reading books are the fresh breeze we need amid digital brain rot
A resurfaced 1977 Carl Sagan clip warns against intellectual decline, a vital message today as "brain rot" proliferates. Sagan championed reading as a magical connection to past minds and stressed nurturing childhood curiosity. (Images: X/@carlsagandotcom , iStock) A resurfaced video of legendary astronomer Carl Sagan from a 1977 appearance on The Tonight Show is sparking crucial conversations, offering profound insights amidst widespread concerns about dwindling attention spans and the pervasive "brain rot" of the digital era. As screens dominate and algorithms dictate our daily lives, Sagan's wise words on the sheer power of reading books and nurturing curious minds feel less like a relic of the past and more like an urgent plea for our intellectual the captivating 1977 clip, Sagan, a master communicator of science, articulated the almost unbelievable power held within a book. "The whole idea of what happens when you read a book I find absolutely stunning," he told Johnny Carson. He marveled at how "some product of a tree with little black squiggles on it" could open up, revealing "the voice of someone speaking who may have been dead 3,000 years, and yet there he is talking directly to you. What a magical thing that is." This timeless connection through the written word, a direct link to minds across centuries, stands in stark contrast to the fleeting nature of digital content. Sagan didn't stop at the magic of books; he delved into the inherent curiosity of children, a vital "natural resource" he believed we are tragically wasting. He observed that children "start out eager, intellectually wide-eyed, asking extremely clever questions." Yet, he lamented, "something happens, by and large, to discourage them."He highlighted how dismissive responses to profound questions, like "Mommy, why is the grass green?", teach children "there's something bad about using the mind." Sagan warned that in perilous times, facing "complex and subtle problems" requires individuals capable of "complex and subtle solutions"—a capacity nurtured through intellectual engagement and curiosity. Sagan's 1977 observations are eerily prescient today. The Oxford 2024 Word of the Year, "brain rot," encapsulates widespread anxiety about declining attention spans. Data from Gallup and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a steady decline in American reading habits. In a conversation on NPR, author Elaine Castillo noted that "massive corporations have essentially captured the capacities in us for reading," offering "momentary dopamine hits" that replace reading's restorative aspects. Abdullah Shihipar of Brown University added that reading a book requires a higher "mental load" than casual scrolling, and studies suggest reading physical media is "superior" to screen reading, which often encourages skimming. The education sector sounds a loud alarm. A former English and digital arts teacher, Hannah, recently resigned with a viral video, lamenting that "a lot of kids don't know how to read," and that AI tools are eroding critical thinking. She witnessed students unable to write basic sentences, and essays produced entirely by ChatGPT, with students showing little concern over plagiarism. Hannah's drastic suggestion: "We need to cut it off. Let them learn how to think again."Abdullah Shihipar, in an NPR conversation, cited a Duke study showing a 12% decline in reading comprehension when AI tools were used. Elaine Castillo articulated a deeper fear: that we might "abdicate our own humanity and our capacity to read, to contemplate, to wrestle with difficult concepts." She emphasized reading's role in building empathy and fostering a "capacity for defiance." The statistics are stark: roughly half of American adults read below a sixth-grade level. Beyond cognitive benefits, reading boasts tangible health advantages; Shihipar mentioned a study indicating a 20% decrease in mortality for book readers, independent of wealth or age. Carl Sagan's powerful message from decades ago offers a vital path forward. His emphasis on the magic of books and the nurturing of intellectual curiosity is not just nostalgic; it's a strategic blueprint for preserving our minds, our empathy, and our ability to navigate the complexities of our world. It's time to heed his timeless wisdom.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
6 Japanese concepts every young professional needs for mental wellbeing
Japanese philosophy offers profound insights into navigating life's complexities with grace, purpose, and mental clarity. These time-tested concepts provide practical frameworks for managing stress, finding meaning, and cultivating inner peace in our fast-paced modern world. For young professionals balancing career demands, personal goals, and constant digital stimulation, these ideas offer simple, actionable ways to build resilience, mindfulness, and emotional balance. 1. Shikata ga nai – "It cannot be helped" The philosophy of acceptance Shikata ga nai represents one of Japan's most fundamental approaches to mental resilience: accepting circumstances beyond one's control. This concept teaches emotional detachment from external factors while maintaining inner equilibrium. Rather than expending energy fighting unchangeable situations, this philosophy encourages graceful acceptance and redirection of focus toward manageable aspects of life. The practice proves particularly valuable during challenging periods such as illness, workplace changes, or unexpected setbacks. Practical application : When facing traffic delays, last-minute meeting cancellations, or bureaucratic obstacles, practitioners invoke shikata ga nai to maintain composure and redirect energy toward productive responses rather than futile resistance. 2. Wabi-sabi – Finding beauty in imperfection Embracing life's natural flaws Wabi-sabi challenges perfectionism by celebrating imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness as sources of authentic beauty. This aesthetic philosophy recognizes that life's most profound moments often emerge from its imperfect, transient nature. The concept liberates individuals from the exhausting pursuit of flawlessness, encouraging appreciation for natural aging, unfinished projects, and the marks of real life. For young professionals under pressure to meet high standards, this mindset can be grounding. Practical application :Try incorporating this at times when life seems too chaotic to deal with. Practitioners report reduced anxiety, increased self-compassion, and greater ability to find joy in everyday moments that might otherwise be dismissed as imperfect or incomplete. 3. Kaizen – Continuous improvement The Power of Small Steps Kaizen revolutionises personal development by emphasising gradual, consistent progress over dramatic transformation. This methodology reduces overwhelm by breaking ambitious goals into manageable daily developed in Japanese manufacturing, kaizen has proven equally effective for personal habits, relationships, and professional development. The approach acknowledges that sustainable change occurs through patience and persistence rather than radical overhauls. Practical application : Whether building healthier routines, improving communication at work, or learning new skills, kaizen practitioners focus on small, daily improvements that compound over time into significant transformation. 4. Mottainai – Regret over waste Cultivating mindful resource management Mottainai encompasses a deep respect for resources, time, effort, and experiences. This concept extends beyond material conservation to include mindful use of opportunities, relationships, and personal energy. The philosophy cultivates gratitude and intentionality, encouraging individuals to consider the true value of their possessions, time, and efforts. This mindset naturally leads to more conscious decision-making and reduced waste, both material and emotional. Practical applications : Mottainai influences daily choices from meal prep and digital consumption to time management and relationship investments, fostering a more sustainable and meaningful lifestyle. 5. Ikigai – Reason for being Discovering life's purpose Ikigai represents the intersection of four fundamental elements: what you love, what you excel at, what the world needs, and what provides livelihood. This framework offers a comprehensive approach to finding life's purpose and direction. Unlike simplistic 'follow your passion' advice, ikigai acknowledges the complexity of meaningful work by balancing personal fulfilment with practical considerations and social contribution. The concept provides clarity for major life decisions and daily prioritisation. Practical applications : Regular reflection on these four elements helps young professionals align their career paths, side projects, and personal goals with their deeper sense of purpose. 6. Zanshin – Remaining mind Continuous awareness and presence Zanshin, originating in martial arts, describes a state of relaxed alertness and sustained awareness. This concept extends beyond physical practice to encompass mental presence in all life philosophy emphasizes maintaining focus and attention even after completing tasks, fostering a mindset of continuous engagement rather than rushing between activities. This approach improves both performance quality and personal satisfaction. Practical applications : Zanshin can be cultivated through mindful completion of emails, intentional conversation, and taking brief pauses to reset between work blocks or meetings. Integrating Japanese wisdom into daily life These six concepts offer complementary approaches to mental wellbeing and personal growth. Rather than adopting all simultaneously, young professionals might begin with concepts that resonate most with their current challenges or lifestyle. Getting started : Choose one concept to explore deeply for a month, observing how it influences your thoughts, emotions, and decisions. Gradually incorporate additional philosophies as your understanding deepens. Long-Term benefits : Regular practice of these Japanese philosophical concepts can lead to increased emotional resilience, clearer career direction, reduced anxiety about perfection and control, and greater appreciation for everyday moments. By embracing these time-tested principles, young professionals can develop a more balanced, purposeful, and peaceful approach to modern living, drawing upon centuries of Japanese wisdom to thrive in today's high-pressure environments. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
