Cambridge Cognition gets $200K grant for Alzheimer’s test

Funding

Cambridge Cognition Ltd, which is developing a clinical diagnostic product that provides early warning of neurodegenerative conditions,  has been awarded a grant of $200,000 by the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) for the development of a clinical cognitive assessment product for Alzheimer’s disease.

ADDF made this award as part of its effort to advance early detection and the reliable assessment of cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Cambridge Cognition specialises in the development of computerised cognitive tests. Its CANTAB diagnostic kit is in use in over 500 research departments in over 60 countries. The company’s Paired Associate Learning (PAL) test is widely regarded as the most accurate current test for the detection of early stage dementia and mild cognitive impairment, as well as accurately differentiating between demented and normal patients and those suffering from depression. This test will form the basis of the Alzheimer’s test that will be developed with the grant.

“The device and tests being developed by Cambridge Cognition will enable clinicians to accurately identify patients with early dementia. The device will also enable them to objectively measure the ongoing effects of disease, modifying drugs currently in development and promote their effective use,” said Howard Fillit, Executive Director of ADDF. “We assessed Cambridge Cognition both on the quality of its science and for commercial due diligence.

Ian Harris, CEO of Cambridge Cognition, said, “This will really speed up our time to market and is an enormous vote of confidence in both our science and our business model by a highly respected independent charity. This test, when in clinical use, will make a real difference to patient outcomes.”