Quanterix (NASDAQ: QTRX) has announced the publication of a landmark study in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Brain, validating that multiplexed Simoa assays for Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) and Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) establish a robust, complementary two-pronged approach for comprehensive multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity and progression monitoring.
According to Quanterix, the study, led by professor Jens Kuhle from the University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, demonstrates that these two serum biomarkers provide distinct and critical insights into the MS disease course. The research found that elevated serum GFAP levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of Progression Independent of Relapse Activity (PIRA)—the slow, progressive deterioration that is difficult to detect with traditional monitoring.
In a statement, Professor Kuhle, commented, “The long-term course of MS involves focal lesion activity and diffuse brain neurodegenerative processes. While NfL is an established biomarker of the former, there has been an urgent need for a biomarker that specifically reflects and predicts chronic progression independent of acute activity. Our study shows that serum GFAP addresses this need and, when combined with NfL and interpreted using the accompanying normative data, provides a more comprehensive assessment of disease severity and progression risk for personalized patient management.”
Masoud Toloue, CEO of Quanterix, added, “Serum NfL measurements, pioneered by our technology and supported by extensive published research, are materially advancing the clinical management of MS patients. This impressive work by Professor Kuhle and colleagues on integrating GFAP and NfL solidifies a new avenue for improving personalized therapy for MS patients. Our platform’s ability to deliver both highly sensitive assays in a single multiplexed test along with the necessary normative data infrastructure makes these results immediately actionable for providers, offering a truly best-in-class approach to MS management.”
