Anavex Life Sciences Corp (AVXL)

[XenaLives]

Great info - following that rabbit trail:

What kinds of studies can PPMI data and specimens be used for?

It is anticipated that the samples being collected in PPMI will be useful in biomarker studies, which will bolster scientists understanding of the natural history of early PD. Because these samples are a limited resource, they are primarily reserved for biomarker verification studies, such as protein and mRNA analyses. Investigators may request access to samples for such studies through an online application process. Click here for more information about Requesting Specimens or to review the Procedure and Guidelines to Access Banked Biospecimens.

PPMI is performing verification studies on alpha-synuclein, DJ-1, urate, total tau, phospho-tau and amyloid beta. These markers have been identified as potential diagnostic markers, not progression markers. What evidence supports their testing as markers of progression?

Preliminary data indicate that alpha-synuclein, urate and DJ-1 change according to disease stage, which warrants a more systematic investigation into whether these markers could serve as markers of progression. Data indicate that total tau, phospho-tau and amyloid beta may change as cognitive function changes. As cognitive deficits occur with Parkinson?s disease and are among the more debilitating symptoms of the disease, the Steering Committee, with the recommendation of a Biomarkers Taskforce, decided to include these markers in the verification studies

http://www.ppmi-info.org/access-data-specimens/data-faq/