Qiagen and Eli Lilly Collaborate on New IVD Test for Alzheimer’s Detection

Qiagen has teamed up with Eli Lilly to develop an innovative in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test that detects apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes. This test, designed for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, will be integrated into Qiagen's QIAstat-Dx platform and will detect three APOE genotypes: APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4.

The APOE4 genotype is linked to an increased risk of early-onset Alzheimer’s, and individuals carrying two copies of the APOE4 gene face an even higher risk of developing the disease. Research shows that APOE variants influence Alzheimer’s risk across age, sex, and ethnicity.

Currently, there are 76 Alzheimer’s diagnostic platforms in development globally, with 10 undergoing clinical trials. Most of these tests use tau proteins as biomarkers. Lilly also partnered with Roche to develop a tau biomarker test that earned breakthrough FDA designation in April 2024, highlighting its significance as a screening tool for Alzheimer's.