Neurodegenerative Disease Imaging and Biomarkers: Enigma and UW-Madison Partner
Enigma Biomedical USA, Inc. (Enigma) and the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) have announced a new partnership aimed at advancing the development of next-generation Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging and fluid biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases. This collaboration will take place at the newly established Biomarker Development Lab for Age-related Neurodegenerative Disease at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, Wisconsin. Enigma’s Chief Scientific Officer, Hartmuth Kolb, Ph.D., a visiting professor at UW–Madison, will work closely with leading UW researchers including Sterling Johnson, Ph.D., Henrik Zetterberg, M.D., Ph.D., and Bradley Christian, Ph.D., among others.
This team of prominent scientists from both the University of Wisconsin–Madison and global research institutions has been recognized for their pioneering work in the field of biomarker development for neurodegenerative diseases. The collaboration includes options for Enigma to license technologies developed through the partnership, overseen by a Joint Steering Committee. The work aims to create advanced diagnostic tools that will improve understanding, assessment, and management of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other age-related disorders.
Dr. Sterling Johnson, a leader in Alzheimer’s research at UW–Madison, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Enigma Biomedical in this expanded enterprise to develop new biomarkers, both imaging and fluid, to advance research and ultimately patient care for individuals suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.” Johnson’s expertise in geriatrics and dementia research is widely recognized, and his work with the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP) aims to identify biomarkers that can detect Alzheimer’s disease at its earliest stages.
Henrik Zetterberg, M.D., Ph.D., a renowned expert in neuroscience, currently holds positions at the University of Gothenburg, University College London, and UW–Madison. Zetterberg’s groundbreaking research into fluid biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases has garnered global attention. He also serves on Enigma’s Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Zetterberg’s research, alongside his collaboration with other leading scientists, will play a vital role in shaping the future of diagnostic tools for neurodegenerative diseases.
Bradley Christian, Ph.D., is another key partner in this project. As a professor in Medical Physics and Psychiatry at UW–Madison and the director of the Waisman Brain Imaging Lab, Dr. Christian’s expertise in PET imaging will be crucial in developing more effective imaging biomarkers. PET imaging is a non-invasive technique that allows scientists to observe changes in the brain, making it invaluable for diagnosing and monitoring neurodegenerative diseases.
Rick Hiatt, President and CEO of Enigma, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Enigma greatly appreciates the confidence placed in us by UW–Madison, a globally acknowledged institute of excellence in research into neurodegenerative disease. The work envisioned in this agreement is entirely aligned with our mission. We expect this collaboration to yield major strides toward addressing the unmet needs in neurodegenerative disease, as well as providing future tools and technologies to support the development of disease-modifying therapies.”
This partnership between Enigma Biomedical and UW–Madison is poised to make significant advancements in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases. By focusing on both imaging biomarkers and fluid biomarkers, the collaboration aims to provide researchers with better tools for early diagnosis and monitoring of diseases that currently lack effective treatment options. The development of such biomarkers could lead to more targeted therapies and more effective clinical trials, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients.
Enigma Biomedical USA, a leader in neuroimaging biomarker development, provides cutting-edge tools to pharmaceutical companies and academic researchers. Their portfolio includes high-quality Tau and Amyloid PET imaging biomarkers, such as MK-6240 and NAV-4694, which are used to enable research in neurodegenerative diseases. Enigma has recently partnered with AbbVie to explore novel 4R Tau PET Imaging biomarkers, further solidifying its role as an innovator in the field.
Enigma’s mission is to support the development, approval, and adoption of effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases by providing imaging biomarkers and related technologies with the highest levels of precision and accuracy. The company’s work plays a critical role in enabling disease-modifying therapy development by providing the tools necessary for accurate diagnosis and effective monitoring of disease progression.
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, established in 1907, is recognized as a leading institution in health sciences education, research, and service. In 2005, the school became the nation’s first to integrate medicine and public health. UW–Madison is home to over 5,400 faculty and staff and provides educational opportunities for nearly 2,400 students and postgraduate trainees. In fiscal year 2023, the school secured $641 million in grants for research, underscoring its commitment to advancing medical knowledge and improving public health.
The UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s collaboration with Enigma Biomedical is expected to yield significant advances in the field of neurodegenerative disease research. The university’s strong foundation in both basic and clinical research, combined with Enigma’s state-of-the-art imaging biomarkers, will drive forward the development of new tools for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, ultimately benefiting millions of individuals worldwide.
This partnership represents a critical step forward in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases, and the collaboration between Enigma and UW–Madison is expected to play a key role in the development of life-changing therapies and diagnostic technologies in the years to come.
