FUTURE Targets & MARKETS

Satoris’ initial research-use biomarker tests will include two panels of plasma biomarkers shown to be significant in the neurodegenerative disease process, and a dementia discrimination panel.  These panels have been designed specifically for use by Alzheimer’s researchers and by pharmaceutical companies developing new Alzheimer’s therapies. Using the discovery processes applied to these initial products, these same principles will be applied to clinical research tests in other neurological disease areas. 

Major disease target candidates include:

Mild Cognitive Impairment (8 million)

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a disorder characterized by short-term memory loss, but no other decline in thinking functions. Typically, MCI patients have trouble remembering the names of people they met recently, trouble remembering the flow of a conversation, and an increased tendency to misplace things, or similar problems. A significant number of MCI patients progress to Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, see the University of Florida's AlzOnline web site.

Parkinson’s (1 million)

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive disorder that results from degeneration and premature death of dopamine-producing brain cells. Symptoms generally include tremor, muscle stiffness or rigidity, and slowness of movement. Medication is somewhat effective for a limited period, generally four to eight years, but eventually the medications lose their effectiveness, leaving the victim unable to move, speak or swallow. For more information on Parkinson's disease, see the Parkinson's Action Network.

Multiple Sclerosis (0.5 million)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Cells of the immune system attack myelin, the insulating sheath that surrounds CNS nerve fibers. When myelin is damaged, electrical impulses cannot travel quickly in the brain and spinal cord. Disruption of electrical conductivity results in fatigue and disturbances of vision, strength, coordination, balance, sensations, as well as bladder and bowel function. For more information on multiple sclerosis, see the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.

AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (0.03 MILLION)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gerhig’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.  Degeneration of motor neurons results in loss of muscle control, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy, paralysis, and eventually death.  There is a high degree of variability between patients in the course of the disease, putting a premium on diagnostic information that can guide therapy. For more information on multiple sclerosis, see the ALS Association.