Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease involving the brain, the vasculature, and inflammation. Studies have shown considerable damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the interface between blood and the brain and loss of blood vessel health is one of the most consequential contributors to dementia. ApoE4, the most predictive AD gene, leads to BBB damage and cognitive decline advances more quickly and severely in AD patients with vascular pathology. AD with vascular pathology and vascular dementia account for 50% of all dementia forms and vascular pathology was the earliest and strongest predictor of AD in a 30-year study. Late diagnosis of AD delays medical intervention and enrollment in experimental trials. 

The endothelial glycocalyx (GLX) is a vast seaweed-like matrix of proteins and complex sugars. GLX was shown to be 100-1,000x larger than previously thought in the early 2010’s, cementing the GLX as the first interaction point between the blood and organs of the body, including the brain. Further research has shown the GLX to be largest and densest in the brain, and forms an active part of the BBB.

Importantly, the GLX is released into the bloodstream in specific patterns in response to inflammation. These shedding patterns provide early, upstream information on inflammation and neurodegeneration cascades.

GLX Analytix has developed a blood test to pluck GLX components from a liquid biopsy with a proprietary immunoassay and reassemble a composite biomarker using machine learning. Results provide a composite measurement called the GLX Signature.  The GLX Signature test can potentially detect BBB damage earlier, upstream of damage to the brain, enabling earlier diagnosis and a higher likelihood of successful intervention.