Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona has co-led a European multicenter study validating the detection of key Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers (p-tau217, GFAP, and NfL) using a simple finger prick. The results of the DROP-AD project, published in Nature Medicine, include 337 participants from eight European centers and demonstrate a diagnostic accuracy of 86% for identifying amyloid pathology compared with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-025-04080-0
This breakthrough, developed in collaboration with the University of Gothenburg (Sweden), University of Brescia (Italy), University of Copenhagen (Denmark), University of Exeter (UK), University of Malmö (Sweden), and Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (Barcelona), removes logistical barriers of traditional diagnostics and opens new possibilities for global access to diagnostic testing.
The DROP-AD project:
The DROP-AD (Dried Blood Spots for Alzheimer’s Disease) project investigates the use of dried capillary blood samples (DBS; and dried plasma spots, DPS) as an alternative to venous blood.
How it works:
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Finger prick: A safety lancet (similar to those used for diabetes) collects a drop of blood from the index or middle finger.
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Application to a specialized card: The blood is placed on a card that automatically separates the plasma from the cells.
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Drying and shipping: After 15–30 minutes at room temperature, the card can be sent by regular mail without refrigeration.
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Ultra-sensitive quantification: Levels of p-tau217, GFAP, and NfL are measured using Simoa (Single Molecule Array) technology.
Near future:
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Validation of home self-collection: A new European study is underway to assess home collection using visual instructions.
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Scalability: Potential for large-scale epidemiological studies, population screening, and clinical trial follow-up.
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Democratization of diagnosis: Particularly relevant for rural areas, low-resource countries, and underrepresented populations.
Why it matters: The challenge of accessible diagnosis
Alzheimer’s disease affects over 55 million people worldwide, a number expected to triple by 2050 according to the lOMS. Early diagnosis is essential for newly approved disease-modifying treatments, which are more effective in the early stages. Until now, confirming amyloid pathology required lumbar puncture or amyloid PET scans—both invasive and costly techniques. Blood biomarkers, especially p-tau217, offer a promising alternative, but venous blood still requires immediate processing and refrigerated transport. DROP-AD solves this, providing samples stable for up to two weeks at room temperature and validated for self-collection, making remote diagnosis possible.
Ace Alzheimer Center’s comprehensive approach
This advancement is part of Ace’s 360º care model since 1995. DROP-AD exemplifies our commitment to translational knowledge: research that addresses real needs and aims to provide accessible solutions for everyone.
