Here’s a firm you probably never heard about- Altoida.
It’s a local DC firm (situated at the Navy Yard section of DC) hoping to make it possible to diagnose Alzheimer’s more easily.
The venture capital funded (about 20 million provided so far) company has been working with this technology for a few decades now. (The founder, Ioannis Tarnanas PhD, started tinkering with the concept when his grandmother developed Alzheimer’s.)
The technology employs a tablet or a smart phone to discern the cognitive capabilities of the brain. After completing the 10 minute test, based upon augmented reality and motor activities, the AI software analyzes the brain capabilities (13 neurocognitive domains; some 800 multimodal cognitive and functional biomarkers).
Now, Altoida claims it’s 94% accurate (from a four year study of the technology) in predicting the development of Alzheimer’s. And, given that a lumbar puncture is not needed, it’s a step in the right direction. Nor does it require PET scans (which are pricey tests).
While the device is not yet approved, it has received “breakthrough designation” from the FDA. And, is effecting clinical trials right now to obtain that coveted FDA approval- which Altoida hopes to obtain by 2024.
The Breakthrough Devices Program is aimed at combination products and other medical devices, hoping to accelerate their development, assessment, and review- without impairing 510(k) clearance or premarket approvals. It is similar in concept (Expedited Access Pathway and Priority Review) to the protocols we underwent during the development of our novel dialysate therapy for artificial kidney treatments.
Available in 14 languages in 20 countries around the world, it hopes to position patients (aged 55 y of age and above) to obtain early treatment for their brain impairments.
Interestingly, it’s developing a subscription vehicle to let folks monitor their brain functionality. (Altoida also claims it can help verify the functionality of those OTC medications that claim to improve brain function.)
Altoida is going to use the funding to expand it’s reach to Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, and COVID long haulers.
Altoida hopes to produce $ 8 million in revenue during the current year. Oh- and to hit up venture capital for another $ 30 to $ 50 million to fund those expansions and clinical trials.
Good to hear a new tool will soon be available that will reduce or even replace invasive and expensive examinations.
Are you also saying it may help counteract or slow down the patient’s deterioration?
No, Tamara- this is simply a diagnostic.
Wow! I am torn about this — I know I would want to know early so the doctors can do whatever they can but it’s like living waiting for the hammer to drop. It’s hard.
I went through this on a lesser scale with my kidneys. I knew I had PCKD and I was waiting for the kidney failure for almost 20 years. At least there are real options for kidney failure…
I know, I know– you should want to know early.
There are some medications that can be provided to those not yet fully under the Alzheimer’s spell that can slow down the situation. I believe that is one of the impeti behind this development.
I immediately thought of a question. Let’s assume the person to be tested is not used to using a phone or tablet, like many seniors still aren’t. So, is this designed to be used in a medical setting, or is it a home test? Apart from that, this would be wonderful if it would be “that easy” to test.
I don’t think the ability to use a tablet will be an impediment, Alana.
How interesting. My mom passed away at 79 years old from alzheimer’s, I’m 73 now.
And, let’s hope that Alzheimer’s is not in your future at all, Martha.