Overview

This collaboration will focus on validating MMP-9 and TIMP-1 as minimally invasive biomarkers for ALS, and the research will use serum and plasma samples from people living with ALS, through the ALS Research Collaborative (ARC) study.  

By correlating the levels of these biomarkers with longitudinal and cross-sectional clinical data, the project aims to develop a kit for use in both clinical and research settings for prognosis and potential monitoring of the disease.

About the ALS/MND biomarker project

The ALS/MND Biomarker Project is designed to validate MMP-9 and TIMP-1 as biomarkers, examining their potential as indicators of disease progression in ALS/MND patients. Through analysis of serum and plasma samples obtained via the ARC study, the research team will assess these protein levels and their association with ALS severity.  

Analysing the protein levels in these samples, along with other clinical data from the study, will enable the team to determine the utility of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, and other protein analytes. The project will integrate our translational and diagnostic expertise with ALS TDI’s extensive patient sample resources. 

Upon successful validation, we aim to develop an ELISA kit for MMP-9, TIMP-1, and other biomarkers to provide a reliable tool for clinical and research applications, enhancing the precision of ALS prognosis and monitoring. 

The project is part of our MND Translational Challenge, and it will run for two years. Under the terms of the collaboration, we will have the exclusive option to further develop the project’s outputs, leveraging its translational and diagnostic development capabilities. 

About ALS/MND 

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or motor neuron disease (MND), is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that leads to the loss of motor function, ultimately impacting muscle control and movement.  

ALS/MND currently lacks effective treatments, with patients often relying on generalised biomarkers that overlap with other neurodegenerative diseases. Specific, validated biomarkers are urgently needed to improve patient outcomes by enabling early diagnosis, tracking disease progression, and guiding therapeutic decisions. Valid biomarkers, such as MMP-9 and TIMP-1, can pave the way for targeted treatments and patient care innovations.