#United States #Scottsdale #CND Life Sciences #Syn-One Test #Alpha-Synuclein

CND Life Sciences' Syn-One Test: A Game Changer in Diagnosing REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

CND Life Sciences, a pioneering medical technology company, has made significant strides in the field of neurodiagnostics with their innovative Syn-One Test. This revolutionary test is designed to detect phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (P-SYN) in skin biopsies, providing a promising avenue for diagnosing patients with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). The findings from their ongoing Syn-Sleep Study reveal that a remarkable 75% of patients with iRBD tested positive for P-SYN at the baseline of their research. This study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is being conducted across 11 sites in the United States and involves a total of 80 participants.

REM sleep behavior disorder is characterized by individuals acting out their dreams, which can result in violent movements or loud vocalizations while asleep. The 'idiopathic' label indicates that the cause of these behaviors is not clear. Notably, iRBD often serves as an early warning sign of future neurodegenerative diseases associated with alpha-synuclein accumulation, such as Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.

The Syn-One Test leverages a straightforward procedure involving a skin punch biopsy, which allows for the measurement of intra-neuronal P-SYN levels. Previous studies demonstrated an impressive 95% positivity rate in patients diagnosed with clinically confirmed synucleinopathies, showcasing the test's reliability and effectiveness.

As part of the Syn-Sleep Study, researchers aim to determine not only the presence of P-SYN in skin biopsies from iRBD patients but also whether the observed pattern of P-SYN deposition can predict the likelihood of these patients developing a clinically identifiable synucleinopathy in the future. Dr. Michele Tagliati, a movement specialist associated with the study, firmly believes that the ability to accurately assess P-SYN status through a minimally invasive test could have considerable implications for early intervention strategies against neurodegenerative diseases.

“We are embarking on a longitudinal reassessment to evaluate if quantification of P-SYN can serve as a biomarker for disease progression,” stated Dr. Todd Levine, the chief medical officer at CND Life Sciences. His comments highlight the potential of early detection, which could facilitate disease modulation and initiate preventive treatment protocols well before the onset of severe symptoms.

In the context of this groundbreaking research, an upcoming presentation at SLEEP 2025, the 39th annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, will showcase the research findings along with further insights from the Syn-Sleep Study. This event, scheduled for June 8-11 in Seattle, Washington, will provide a platform for CND Life Sciences to exhibit their pioneering work and connect with fellow experts in the field.

The study results thus far remain encouraging. Participants enrolled in the Syn-Sleep Study exhibited an average duration of iRBD symptoms of 6.7 years. Interestingly, older age and a longer duration of symptoms correlated with abnormal test results, pointing towards a potential connection between these factors and P-SYN positivity. Enhanced smell sensitivity, or hyposmia, was also observed in subjects who tested positive, indicating that sensory changes might accompany or precede more overt symptoms of neurodegeneration.

However, the positivity rates for P-SYN remained consistent, irrespective of the severity of iRBD symptoms and the method of diagnosis, whether via polysomnography or the iRBD questionnaire. This suggests that P-SYN detection may not greatly depend on how advanced the symptoms are, reinforcing its utility as a reliable marker for neurodegeneration risk.

“The ability to distinguish those at risk empowers us to pursue treatments that could mitigate disease progression,” Dr. Levine noted, emphasizing the essential role of early detection in advancing clinical approaches towards neurodegenerative disorders.

Conclusion

The ongoing endeavors of CND Life Sciences in developing the Syn-One Test represent a significant leap towards addressing the challenges associated with diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases. As this study continues to unfold, the hope is that such innovative diagnostic tools will pave the way for effective early interventions and therapies, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients affected by these conditions.