#United States #Scottsdale #Parkinson's Disease #CND Life Sciences #Essential Tremor

CND Life Sciences Secures NIH Grant for Important Neurological Research

CND Life Sciences, a leading medical technology firm specializing in neurodiagnostic tests, recently announced receiving a substantial $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding is designated for an ambitious three-year research initiative aimed at investigating the link between essential tremor (ET) and the potential development of Parkinson's disease (PD). The study will leverage CND's innovative Syn-One Test®, which analyzes the presence of a misfolded protein, known as phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (P-SYN), in patients diagnosed with ET.

The Study’s Objectives and Significance

The objective of this multicenter study is clear: to ascertain whether the presence of P-SYN in individuals with essential tremor can predict their risk of developing Parkinson's disease. This research is pivotal since essential tremor is a common neurological condition, affecting approximately 7 million people in the United States. Notably, the risk of transitioning from essential tremor to Parkinson's disease is substantially higher than in the general population, raising critical questions about prevention and early diagnosis.

Dr. Todd Levine, the Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of CND Life Sciences, expressed optimism regarding this grant, marking it as the company's fourth NIH-SBIR award in five years. He emphasized the company's commitment to advancing neurodiagnostic innovations from concept to clinical practice. Dr. Levine stated, “Patients and physicians are keen to understand the causes of tremors, and the outcomes of our study may provide the clarity needed for effective management.”

About the Research Methodology

In pursuit of these goals, the research team aims to recruit 300 participants across 15 medical centers in the United States, with enrollment set to begin in December 2025. Leading institutions will include Baylor University Medical Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Notable physicians, including Dr. Joseph Jankovic and Dr. Elan Louis, will oversee parts of the study. Researchers will utilize a skin biopsy procedure known as the Syn-One Test, designed to detect P-SYN presence in cutaneous nerve fibers effectively.

Dr. Christopher Gibbons, Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of CND, highlighted the underlying aspiration of the study: “We aim to demonstrate that patients with positive Syn-One Test results are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. This could significantly influence how physicians approach treatment and monitoring.”

Implications of the Findings

If successful, the Syn-T Study could reshape the landscape of how essential tremor and Parkinson's disease are understood and treated. Early identification of individuals at risk for PD allows for timely intervention, which may lead to more effective neuroprotective treatments. The findings could also enhance the overall quality of care for patients living with these neurological conditions, potentially guiding changes in treatment protocols.

The study's results might pave the way for clinical advancements in diagnosing and managing synucleinopathies—conditions characterized by abnormal accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein, such as Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders.

About CND Life Sciences

Founded with a mission to support patients facing neurodegenerative disease diagnoses, CND Life Sciences operates a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory in Scottsdale, Arizona. The company has been instrumental in developing diagnostic tools that assist healthcare providers in identifying various synucleinopathies. The Syn-One Test has achieved over 95% sensitivity in diagnosing conditions associated with synucleinopathies, confirming its clinical utility and relevance.

Recognized as a Breakthrough Device by the FDA, the Syn-One Test aims to expedite accurate diagnoses for patients over 40 presenting clinical features suggestive of neurodegenerative conditions. CND continues to collaborate with biopharmaceutical companies on clinical trials focusing on innovative therapies and early disease detection strategies.

In conclusion, CND Life Sciences’ recent funding from the NIH underlines the urgency and importance of understanding the interplay between essential tremor and Parkinson's disease, potentially leading to groundbreaking clinical applications that can help improve patient outcomes.