FTD: Biomarker development (Milestone 9.Q)
In Progress
Timeline Start - End
2016 - 2027Research Implementation Area
BiomarkersAD-Related Dementias Focus
Develop an array of FTD biomarkers for diagnosis, prediction, disease monitoring, target engagement, and patient stratification for clinical trials.
Success Criteria
- At least two new FTD biomarkers that are validated for clinical trials, including in at least two populations that experience health disparities.
Summary of Key Accomplishments
A public-private biomarkers consortium led by the Foundation for NIH (FNIH) is evaluating neurofilament light chain protein as a biomarker for neurodegeneration in familial forms of FTD. Additionally, an NIH-led proteinopathy consortium has defined the atomic structure of various forms of proteins like Tau that are aggregated in FTD and unveiling promising targets for PET imaging development. In addition, relatively simple blood tests now have the ability to distinguish FTD from other dementias like Alzheimer's, which will be critical for future targeted clinical trials and has the promise of being a relatively inexpensive test that could be more readily applied to underserved populations. Finally, supplemental studies to the large ALLFTD cohort include the use of mobile apps as well as in-home, non-invasive measurements and trackers that have the promise of monitoring the progression of FTD in a highly sensitive manner and directly in an individual's home rather than needing to travel to a clinical research site.
The key accomplishments summary is current as of July 2022.
Accomplishments/Implementation Activities
Funding Initiatives
- PAR-18-661: Pathway and Target Identification for Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (ADRDs)
- RFA-NS-19-014: Center without Walls for PET Ligand Development for Alzheimer's disease related dementias (ADRDs) (U19)
- RFA-AG-15-010: Interdisciplinary Research to Understand the Vascular Contributions to Alzheimer's Disease (R01)
- RFA-NS-21-003: Center without Walls for Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration in Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Research Programs and Resources
- Center without Walls for PET Ligand Development for Alzheimer's disease related dementias (ADRDs) (U19)
- NINDS BioSEND
- National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD)
- CREATE Biorepository
- ALLFTD
- Center Without Walls for Imaging Proteinopathies with PET (CW2IP2)
- Select projects funded in FY21
- Mechanisms of Gait and Balance Impairment in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Research Highlights
Relevant Recommendations
- 2016 ADRD Summit: Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTD) Focus Area 2: Clinical science, Recommendation 2
- 2022 ADRD Summit: Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTD), Milestone 2, Priority 2