Sunbird Bio’s New Blood Test for Parkinson’s Shows 86% Accuracy

Sunbird Bio recently presented new data at the CTAD conference, showcasing the potential of its diagnostic blood test to accurately classify Parkinson’s-positive samples with 86% accuracy. The study examined 40 blood samples, half from Parkinson’s patients and half from age-matched healthy controls, focusing on a marker for brain-derived extracellular vesicle (EV)-bound alpha-synuclein. While tests based on unbound soluble alpha-synuclein were unsuccessful, the EV-bound approach delivered promising accuracy, indicating a strong potential as a diagnostic tool in early Parkinson’s detection.

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This milestone follows Sunbird Bio's $14 million funding boost, aimed at furthering the company’s blood-based diagnostic technology. The company plans to expand clinical trials and laboratory capabilities by 2025, with a pipeline that includes tests for other neurological biomarkers, such as amyloid beta and tau. This development adds to a growing field; University College London recently reported a test with 100% accuracy for Parkinson’s based on AI and protein markers. Both advancements hint at a future where non-invasive blood tests could transform early detection and management of neurodegenerative disorders.