Grifols pioneers high-tech analysis of plasma bank to detect Parkinson’s disease

Initiative aims to identify plasma-based biomarkers for early detection

Grifols has received a grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) to identify plasma-based biomarkers that could indicate a person’s likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) years before clinical diagnosis.

The initiative, named Chronos-PD, could lead to the discovery of new diagnostic tools and disease-modifying therapeutics.

PD affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S. and over 6 million people globally. It occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine stop working or die.

Currently, physicians use medical history, physical exams, and brain imaging tests to diagnose PD. Early detection biomarkers are urgently needed for more effective therapeutic interventions.

The $21 million award will fund a study to analyze plasma samples over up to 10 years. This could establish an early-warning system for PD.

Grifols’ plasma sample repository is one of the largest globally, with over 100 million samples collected over nearly 15 years. The same analyses applied to PD samples can be replicated for other diseases.

Dr. Jörg Schüttrumpf, Grifols’ Chief Scientific Innovation Officer, said, “Our groundbreaking initiative leverages Grifols’ unique plasma samples, comprehensive technology platforms, and plasma proteomics expertise.” He added that this approach has the potential to revolutionize PD management.

Shalini Padmanabhan, senior vice president of translational research at MJFF, highlighted the importance of identifying reliable biomarkers for PD. She said, “Grifols’ research on a plasma-based biomarker to detect PD at its earliest stage paves the way for transformative breakthroughs in care and prevention.”

Grifols, founded in Barcelona in 1909, is a global healthcare company committed to improving health and well-being worldwide.

The company is a leader in essential plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine.