We have recently developed a novel proteomic technology for liquid biopsy, NULISA™, which employs DNA-barcoded antibodies to convert events of immunocomplex formation to DNA reporter molecules that can be detected with qPCR or next-gen sequencing (NGS)¹. NULISA differentiates itself from existing technologies in its background suppression mechanisms that reduces assay background by 10,000-fold to achieve attomolar limit of detection (low to sub-fg/mL), creating a new standard in sensitivity and multiplexing capability¹. We have also developed the ARGO HT™ instrument which fully automates the NULISA protocol with <30 min hands-on time from samples to qPCR results or an NGS-ready DNA library. While ARGO HT promises to greatly accelerate biomarker and drug target discovery efforts for AD and other diseases, it is currently for research use only (RUO).

Decades of searching for blood-based biomarkers for the early detection of AD have reached a point of translation – implementing multiple well-established biomarkers for routine clinical screening and testing. This is a challenge that can be uniquely met by NULISA as existing tools lack either sufficient sensitivity for some of these markers or multiplexing capability. Therefore, we propose to develop an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) version of ARGO HT to enable a new generation of AD diagnostics. Alamar is a young company with limited resources and is focused on serving the research market. Funding from ADDF – DxA will greatly accelerate our development of ARGO DX, thus accelerating the translation of blood-based AD biomarkers to improve healthcare.