Spear Bio has launched its SPEAR UltraDetect immunoassay solution, promising to transform neurodegenerative disease research with its ultrasensitive capabilities.
The biotechnology company, specialising in homogeneous immunoassay technology, aims to enhance biomarker measurement with its new product.
The initial release includes assays for key neurology biomarkers: phosphorylated tau 231 (pTau231), phosphorylated tau 217 (pTau217), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light (NfL).
Spear Bio’s SPEAR technology stands out by eliminating the need for solid surface capture and multiple wash steps, which are common in traditional ultrasensitive technologies.
The unique platform achieves ultra-sensitivity by quantifying protein biomarkers at attomolar concentrations from just one microlitre of diluted sample, outperforming existing platforms.
The technology also addresses specificity challenges by reducing non-specific binding, a common issue in heterogeneous assays.
Its two-factor authentication ensures that signals are generated only when antibody pairs are co-localised on target proteins for an extended duration, minimising false-positive results.
SPEAR UltraDetect’s sensitivity and precision are crucial for measuring low-abundance neurology biomarkers, particularly in peripheral blood, where these biomarkers are often present at trace levels due to the blood-brain barrier.
The immunoassays are compatible with a wide range of qPCR systems, providing consistent results across different instruments and formats.
Its compatibility enhances scalability and integration into existing laboratory workflows.
Spear Bio co-founder and CEO Feng Xuan said: “We are proud to deliver the first of its kind ultrasensitive immunoassay solution that could potentially solve the challenges that neurology researchers working with blood-based biomarkers have faced for years.
“SPEAR UltraDetect will empower academic and clinical researchers worldwide to unlock new insights and improve therapies and treatments for a variety of neurological conditions.”
Recently, Spear Bio entered a strategic partnership with Bio-Techne to enhance the global distribution of its next-generation immunoassay technology.
Under the collaboration, Bio-Techne will distribute Spear Bio’s SPEAR UltraDetect immunoassays for critical low-abundance biomarkers.
