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Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Statement from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation on the Passing of ADDF Co-Founder and Co-Chairman Leonard A. Lauder
The Lauder Family's Vision and Catalytic Funding Through the ADDF Helped Seed and Transform the Alzheimer's Research Landscape NEW YORK, June 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- It is with deep sorrow and profound admiration that the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) shares the passing of Co-Founder and Chairman, Leonard A. Lauder. A visionary philanthropist, cosmetics industry icon, and steadfast champion in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, Lauder's legacy is woven into the very fabric of the ADDF and the progress it has driven toward understanding, treating, and ultimately curing Alzheimer's. "Leonard Lauder was a once-in-a-generation visionary whose leadership, along with his brother Ronald, reshaped the Alzheimer's research landscape," said Dr. Howard Fillit, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of the ADDF. "From the very beginning, Leonard understood that Alzheimer's does not just impact the patient, it affects entire families. The Lauder family recognized the emotional, financial, and societal toll of this disease, and built the ADDF to accelerate the discovery and development of treatments that could change the trajectory for patients and their loved ones. Leonard's vision, generosity, and humanity spanned across his business acumen to his philanthropic endeavors, touching countless lives, and his legacy will endure in every breakthrough we help bring forward." Lauder and his brother, Ronald S. Lauder, co-founded the ADDF in 1998 with Dr. Fillit in honor of their mother, Estee Lauder's, battle with Alzheimer's. At a time when Alzheimer's research funding was sparse and interest from the private sector limited, the Lauder family recognized the urgent need for treatments and created a bold new venture philanthropy model to achieve this mission, combining the rigor of scientific research with the agility and entrepreneurialism of venture capital. For over more than 27 years, the Lauders' leadership helped shape the ADDF into the world's leading philanthropic funder of drug discovery and development research. Under the Lauders' guidance, the ADDF has: Invested more than $370 million into over 765 drug discovery programs across 21 countries Catalyzed more than $3 billion in follow-on funding from pharmaceutical companies, venture capital firms, and government agencies, helping to de-risk early-stage science and attract broader investment into Alzheimer's research Played a pivotal role in the development of the first biomarkers for Alzheimer's by providing early seed funding for Amyvid, the first FDA-approved PET scan for Alzheimer's; PrecivityAD, the first Alzheimer's blood test to market; and Lumipulse, the first Alzheimer's blood test to receive FDA approval Established the Diagnostics Accelerator (DxA) in partnership with Bill Gates and other visionary philanthropists to advance affordable, accessible diagnostic tools, a critical step toward earlier detection and intervention Advanced a diverse pipeline of treatments by pioneering the biology of aging approach, now central to the field, with over 70% of drugs targeting disease pathways such as inflammation, neuroprotection, vascular health, and synaptic function, paving the way for Alzheimer's to be treated with combination therapy and precision medicine, as in cancer Brought forward a precision prevention approach, combining lifestyle interventions and therapeutics to slow the progression or prevent the onset of Alzheimer's altogether Through all these achievements, Lauder and his family remained deeply committed to the ADDF's mission. "Leonard's impact on the ADDF, and on the field of Alzheimer's research more broadly, is immeasurable," said Mark Roithmayr, Chief Executive Officer of the ADDF. "He brought a sense of urgency to this work that pushed us all to do more and move faster. He believed that patients and families deserve better and he committed himself fully to building a world in which effective treatments are not only possible, but inevitable. His leadership, his generosity, and his humanity will continue to guide the ADDF's mission every day." Lauder's impact extended across business, culture, and philanthropy. Yet for those who worked alongside him at the ADDF, he will be remembered most for his compassion, clarity of purpose, and unwavering belief in progress. He understood that Alzheimer's is a deeply human and societal challenge, one affecting memory, identity, and dignity. The ADDF honors Lauder's legacy by reaffirming our commitment to conquer Alzheimer's for the millions of patients and families living with this devastating disease. About The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF)Founded in 1998 by Leonard A. and Ronald S. Lauder, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation is dedicated to rapidly accelerating the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer's disease. The ADDF is the only public charity solely focused on funding the development of drugs for Alzheimer's, employing a venture philanthropy model to support research in academia and the biotech industry. The ADDF's leadership and contributions to the field have played a pivotal role in bringing the first Alzheimer's PET scan (Amyvid®) and blood test (PrecivityAD®) to market, as well as fueling the current robust and diverse drug pipeline. Through the generosity of its donors, the ADDF has awarded more than $370 million to fund 765 Alzheimer's drug discovery programs, biomarker programs and clinical trials in 21 countries. To learn more, please visit: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA clears first blood test to reliably predict Alzheimer's disease
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Friday it had cleared a new test to help diagnose adults with Alzheimer's disease, the first diagnostic tool that uses a blood draw to check for the illness. The test is called the 'Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio' and is developed by the Japanese company Fujirebio Diagnostics Inc. It measures specific biomarkers and proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease and amyloid plaque. Deposits of amyloid plaque in the brain are a hallmark of Alzheimer's. Fujirebio submitted a regulatory filing with the FDA in September for its test. It is the first commercially available blood-based in vitro diagnostic test for assessing Alzheimer's in the U.S. 'Alzheimer's disease impacts too many people, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined,' FDA Commissioner Martin Makary said in a statement. 'Knowing that 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double, I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients.' As the FDA noted in its announcement, this test, a simple blood draw, is less invasive than other commercially available options. According to the agency, roughly 92 percent of trial participants who got positive test results were found to have the presence of amyloid plaques through PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Fewer than 1 in 5 participants received an indeterminate result from the test. According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 7 million Americans live with the disease, and this number is expected to rise to almost 13 million by 2050. Currently, 1 in 9 Americans 65 and older has Alzheimer's. 'These findings indicate that the new blood test can reliably predict the presence or absence of amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease at the time of the test in patients who are cognitively impaired,' the FDA said. 'The test is intended for patients presenting at a specialized care setting with signs and symptoms of cognitive decline. The results must be interpreted in conjunction with other patient clinical information.' Howard Fillit, co-founder and chief science officer at the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, called the test a 'major milestone for patients and clinicians.' 'The ability to diagnose Alzheimer's earlier with a simple blood test, like we do for cholesterol, is a game changer, allowing more patients to receive treatment options that have the potential to significantly slow or even prevent the disease,' Fillit said. 'This is a clear example of the new era of Alzheimer's research where innovation, science and technology come together to develop more accessible, affordable and scalable tools that will pave the way for additional regulatory approvals of diagnostic tools,' he added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
FDA clears first blood test to detect Alzheimer's disease. What to know about Lumipulse.
FDA clears first blood test to detect Alzheimer's disease. What to know about Lumipulse. Show Caption Hide Caption Alzheimer's numbers expected to hit 13 million by 2050 Dr. Joanne Pike, CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, talks about the challenges and hopes when it comes to this debilitating disease. We're now closer to being able to diagnose most common form of dementia with a simple test. The Food and Drug Administration on May 16 said it cleared the first blood test for Alzheimer's disease. The blood test is for patients 55 and older who have signs and symptoms of the mind-robbing disease. The Lumipulse blood plasma test detects a disease hallmark, amyloid plaques, which form in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. This approval marks a milestone for patients, their families and doctors, said Howard Fillit, co-founder and chief science officer at the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation. "The ability to diagnose Alzheimer's earlier with a simple blood test, like we do for cholesterol, is a game changer, allowing more patients to receive treatment options that have the potential to significantly slow or even prevent the disease," Fillit said. The blood test is the first of what researchers say could be a new generation of blood tests to replace expensive brain scans and spinal taps now used to diagnose Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. Early diagnosis could allow patients earlier access to FDA-approved drugs to treat Alzheimer's, an incurable disease that afflicts an estimated 7.2 million older Americans. In a statement, FDA Commissioner Martin Makary said 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's. "I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients," Makary said. The Lumipulse blood test is made by Japanese company, Fujirebio Diagnostics, which markets a similar Alzheimer's test that measures cerebrospinal fluid collected by spinal tap. The company did not return messages from USA TODAY asking when the blood test would be available and how much it will cost. The test calculates a ratio of two proteins, tau and amyloid, found in blood plasma. The ratio approximates a measure of whether a patient has amyloid plaques in their brains − a disease hallmark that is now detected by images from expensive PET scans. In clearing the new blood test, the FDA evaluated a clinical study that measured 499 samples from adults who were cognitively impaired. The study measured how often the blood test detected amyloid plaque compared to existing PET scans or spinal fluid tests. The blood test picked up nearly 92% of cases detected by scans or spinal fluid. Less than 20% of cases received an inconclusive result, the FDA said. In a news release, the FDA said the test can "reliably predict the presence or absence of amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease" in people who are cognitively impaired. The test is meant to be used at memory clinics or other specialized care settings. Risks include possible false positive or false negative results. Alzheimer's researchers believe the disease takes root with brain changes before memory and thinking problems surface. The new generation of blood tests could lead to earlier diagnosis and give patients access to medication. The FDA has approved two Alzheimer's drugs targeting amyloid plaques in adults with early signs of the disease. Eli Lilly's Kisunla and Eisai and Biogen's drug Leqembi include warnings for MRI-visible injuries, which can include brain swelling and tiny bleeds at the surface of the brain.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA clears first blood test to detect Alzheimer's disease. What to know about Lumipulse.
We're now closer to being able to diagnose most common form of dementia with a simple test. The Food and Drug Administration on May 16 said it cleared the first blood test for Alzheimer's disease. The blood test is for patients 55 and older who have signs and symptoms of the mind-robbing disease. The Lumipulse blood plasma test detects a disease hallmark, amyloid plaques, which form in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. This approval marks a milestone for patients, their families and doctors, said Howard Fillit, co-founder and chief science officer at the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation. "The ability to diagnose Alzheimer's earlier with a simple blood test, like we do for cholesterol, is a game changer, allowing more patients to receive treatment options that have the potential to significantly slow or even prevent the disease," Fillit said. The blood test is the first of what researchers say could be a new generation of blood tests to replace expensive brain scans and spinal taps now used to diagnose Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. Early diagnosis could allow patients earlier access to FDA-approved drugs to treat Alzheimer's, an incurable disease that afflicts an estimated 7.2 million older Americans. In a statement, FDA Commissioner Martin Makary said 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's. "I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients," Makary said. The Lumipulse blood test is made by Japanese company, Fujirebio Diagnostics, which markets a similar Alzheimer's test that measures cerebrospinal fluid collected by spinal tap. The company did not return messages from USA TODAY asking when the blood test would be available and how much it will cost. The test calculates a ratio of two proteins, tau and amyloid, found in blood plasma. The ratio approximates a measure of whether a patient has amyloid plaques in their brains − a disease hallmark that is now detected by images from expensive PET scans. In clearing the new blood test, the FDA evaluated a clinical study that measured 499 samples from adults who were cognitively impaired. The study measured how often the blood test detected amyloid plaque compared to existing PET scans or spinal fluid tests. The blood test picked up nearly 92% of cases detected by scans or spinal fluid. Less than 20% of cases received an inconclusive result, the FDA said. In a news release, the FDA said the test can "reliably predict the presence or absence of amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease" in people who are cognitively impaired. The test is meant to be used at memory clinics or other specialized care settings. Risks include possible false positive or false negative results. Alzheimer's researchers believe the disease takes root with brain changes before memory and thinking problems surface. The new generation of blood tests could lead to earlier diagnosis and give patients access to medication. The FDA has approved two Alzheimer's drugs targeting amyloid plaques in adults with early signs of the disease. Eli Lilly's Kisunla and Eisai and Biogen's drug Leqembi include warnings for MRI-visible injuries, which can include brain swelling and tiny bleeds at the surface of the brain. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FDA clears first blood test to diagnose Alzheimer's disease
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Statement from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) on FDA Approval of the First Blood Test to Aid in Alzheimer's Diagnosis
NEW YORK, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the FDA's approved the Lumipulse G pTau217/β-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. This is the first blood test authorized to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's—ushering in a new era of care, alongside recent approvals of disease-modifying therapies. "Today's approval is a transformative moment for patients, clinicians, and the field," said Dr. Howard Fillit, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF). "Blood tests for Alzheimer's are bringing us closer to the goal of an early and accessible diagnosis for all patients—something that was unimaginable just a few years ago. The regulatory approval of the Lumipulse test validates years of scientific progress and collaboration, a core tenet of the ADDF's Diagnostics Accelerator, and we're proud to have played a role in advancing this achievement." This breakthrough was supported in part by the Diagnostics Accelerator (DxA), a flagship initiative of the ADDF launched in partnership with leading philanthropists including Leonard A. Lauder, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and others. The DxA is dedicated to fast-tracking the development of biomarkers and diagnostics for Alzheimer's such as blood tests, retinal scans and digital tools—crucial for improving diagnosis, guiding treatment decisions, and accelerating drug development. To date, the DxA has invested over $90M into nearly 70 projects. The Lumipulse test represents a minimally invasive, cost-effective tool that can be deployed in a wide range of clinical settings, including primary care. By accurately identifying patients at high risk for Alzheimer's, it enables earlier and more equitable access to specialist evaluation and treatment—when interventions may be most effective in slowing or even preventing cognitive decline. Importantly, blood biomarkers are paving the way for precision medicine in Alzheimer's by enabling more targeted treatment approaches, including combination therapies that address the multiple underlying causes of the disease. "This is just the beginning," added Dr. Fillit. "As blood-based biomarkers continue to evolve, they will fundamentally reshape the landscape of Alzheimer's care, creating a new landscape where precision medicine and prevention of the disease are possible." About The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF)Founded in 1998 by Leonard A. and Ronald S. Lauder, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation is dedicated to rapidly accelerating the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer's disease. The ADDF is the only public charity solely focused on funding the development of drugs for Alzheimer's, employing a venture philanthropy model to support research in academia and the biotech industry. The ADDF's leadership and contributions to the field have played a pivotal role in bringing the first Alzheimer's PET scan (Amyvid®) and blood test (PrecivityAD®) to market, as well as fueling the current robust and diverse drug pipeline. Through the generosity of its donors, the ADDF has awarded more than $370 million to fund 765 Alzheimer's drug discovery programs, biomarker programs and clinical trials in 21 countries. To learn more, please visit: About the Diagnostics Accelerator (DxA)The Diagnostics Accelerator, created in July 2018, is a $100 million global research initiative from partners including ADDF Co-Founder Leonard A. Lauder, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Scott, the Dolby family, the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation, The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, among others, to develop novel biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This research initiative is dedicated to accelerating the development of affordable and accessible biomarkers to diagnose Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and advance the clinical development of more targeted treatments. Through translational research awards and access to consulting support from industry experts, this program will challenge, assist and fund the research community in both academia and industry to develop novel peripheral and digital biomarkers. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
