BARC Central Laboratory Joins Alzheimer’s Association Research Roundtable

NEW YORK - Global Laboratory’s Technology Transfer Expertise to Support Biomarker
Translational Research -

Biomarkers have become increasingly important to Alzheimer’s disease
research as a method for risk assessment, early detection, testing new
therapies and eventual early intervention with better drugs once they are
developed. As part of its ongoing research and development of biomarkers for
Alzheimer’s and other diseases, BARC Central Laboratory is pleased to
announce it has joined the Alzheimer’s Association Research Roundtable. As a
Sponsor, BARC will be participating in the Roundtable presentations and
related subcommittee meetings, with particular focus on the evolution of
biochemical biomarkers as prognostic and diagnostic indicators.

A biomarker is a substance or characteristic that can be objectively
measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal body processes, disease
processes, or the body’s response(s) to a therapeutic intervention.

It is widely believed that Alzheimer’s disease brain changes, including
amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, begin many years before symptoms
are evident or there is significant death of brain cells. It is critical to
identify affected individuals while they are still cognitively normal so that
future disease modifying therapies can preserve normal function. The testing
and eventual use of such therapies requires identification of affected and
“at risk” individuals in order to steer them to clinical trials, and to
direct and monitor therapy.

“Alzheimer’s disease is without question a growing epidemic and major
public health concern. The Alzheimer’s Association is the preeminent U.S.
voluntary health organization in the research community’s drive to eradicate
Alzheimer’s disease, and BARC looks forward to advancing early detection and
treatment for Alzheimer’s in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and
other Research Roundtable member companies,” said Rudi Marien, CEO of the
BARC Group.

“Discovery of measurable markers that track with the presence of
Alzheimer’s pathology and that predict the development of cognitive decline
in people who are still cognitively normal, known as ‘antecedent biomarkers,’
are especially needed,” said William Thies, PhD, Chief Medical & Scientific
Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association. “We are very pleased that BARC has
chosen to become part of the Research Roundtable, and look forward to their
valuable contributions to the group.”

The Alzheimer’s Association Research Roundtable is a consortium of
scientists from the pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostics, imaging and
cognitive testing industries along with Association staff and advisors. The
Research Roundtable’s mission is to facilitate the development and
implementation of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease by collectively
addressing obstacles to research and development, clinical care, and public
health education.

About BARC

Bio Analytical Research Corporation (BARC) is a leading global
central laboratory and is currently running 400 different protocols involving
more than 8,000 investigators worldwide. Our experience involves all major
therapeutic areas including neurology, infectious disease, diabetes,
osteoporosis, cardiovascular, gastroenterology, oncology, endocrinology,
respiratory, dermatology and immunology. BARC performs more than 2,000
assays, including molecular diagnostics and genomics, and serves as a
technology transfer channel by developing and clinically validating new
laboratory tests on a global, multi-site GCP-certified platform for
pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide. For more information,
call +1-516-719-1052 or visit www.barclab.com.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association, the nonprofit world leader in
Alzheimer’s research and support, is the first and largest U.S. voluntary
health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and
an eventual cure for Alzheimer’s. For more than 25 years, the donor-supported
Alzheimer’s Association has provided reliable information and care
consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for
dementia research; and influenced public policy changes. For more
information, call +1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org.

CONTACT:
BARC USA: Nele Langenaken, +1-516-719-1052, nele.langenaken@barcusa.com

Source: BARC Central Laboratory

Nele Langenaken, +1-516-719-1052, nele.langenaken at barcusa.com, BARC USA