New research marks the latest example of neurofilament light chain
(NfL) as a critical biomarker for detecting brain injuries
LEXINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 26, 2018--
Quanterix
Corporation (NASDAQ:QTRX), a company digitizing biomarker analysis
with the goal of advancing the science of precision health, today
announced researchers have successfully applied its Simoa technology to
reveal a correlation between heading a soccer ball and an increase in
protein biomarkers known to be indicative of traumatic brain injuries
(TBIs). The study, published in BMJ
Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, suggests brain injury may be
occurring even in athletic activities previously thought to be
relatively safe.
“We’ve long suspected that repeatedly heading a soccer ball could have
similar effects to those already demonstrated by repeated subconcussive
blows in American football, namely the elevation of biomarkers
indicative of brain injury,” said Kevin Hrusovsky, Chief Executive
Officer, President and Chairman of Quanterix. “This research adds to the
growing body of evidence that the neurofilament light chain biomarker
has promise as an objective indicator of brain damage and could play a
role in improving player safety in the future.”
The study, led by Dr. Henrik Zetterberg, Department of Psychiatry and
Neurochemistry at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, examined eleven
male college soccer players who were asked to perform a series of
headers. Researchers found elevated levels of the NfL protein one hour
and one month following the headers. The total symptoms and their
severity were also elevated following the headers, indicating that
headings in soccer are associated with increases in NfL concentrations,
and can lead to symptoms commonly reported following a sport-related
concussion.
Soccer, widely considered to be the world’s most popular sport today,
continues to witness tremendous growth globally and its popularity is
only expected to rise. According to a 2018 World
Football Report from Nielsen, more than 40 percent of the world’s
population reports being interested in soccer, putting it well ahead of
rival sports.
“This study also serves to reinforce the potential of NfL as a critical
biomarker for advancing the early detection, treatment and prevention of
neurological diseases, as previously demonstrated by a
number of peer-reviewed publications. Quanterix has been at the
forefront of enabling this research and is privileged to play a part in
expanding the possibilities of this biomarker to disrupt healthcare,”
continued Hrusovsky.
To learn more about Quanterix’ research, please click
here.
About Quanterix
Quanterix is a company that’s digitizing biomarker analysis with the
goal of advancing the science of precision health. The company’s digital
health solution, Simoa, has the potential to change the way in which
healthcare is provided today by giving researchers the ability to
closely examine the continuum from health to disease. Quanterix’
technology is designed to enable much earlier disease detection, better
prognoses and enhanced treatment methods to improve the quality of life
and longevity of the population for generations to come. The technology
is currently being used for research applications in several therapeutic
areas, including oncology, neurology, cardiology, inflammation and
infectious disease. The company was established in 2007 and is located
in Lexington, Massachusetts. For additional Information, please visit https://www.quanterix.com.
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meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words
such as "may," "will," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate,"
"intend" and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions
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identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this
news release are based on Quanterix’s expectations and assumptions as of
the date of this press release. Each of these forward-looking statements
involves risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause Quanterix’
actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the
forward-looking statements in this press release are discussed
in Quanterix’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,
including the "Risk Factors" sections contained therein. Except as
required by law, Quanterix assumes no obligation to update any
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in
expectations, even as new information becomes available.
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Source: Quanterix
For Quanterix Corporation
PAN Communications
Lindsay Poole,
617-502-4300
quanterix@pancomm.com