Prof van Wijngaarden’s research group has recently developed a novel imaging method that allows them to non-invasively detect the accumulation of amyloid beta in the retina. Their research has utilised a state-of-the-art, costly research camera that images the retina sequentially with 90 different wavelengths (colours) of light. They have identified a way to develop a low-cost retinal camera with similar capabilities as the costly research camera, opening up the potential to deploy this technology in a wide range of clinical settings to screen for Alzheimer’s disease. NFMRI funding is enabling retinal camera development and clinical studies to validate the technology against their state-of-the-art research camera.
Since the commencement of this project in 2019, it has progressed tremendously well and garnered support from prominent, global funders. Most recently, support was received from the BioMedTech Horizons MRFF scheme for further development of their hyperspectral camera and a joint NHMRC-European Union grant was also awarded.
Some of the key highlights from this project’s progress include:
- Project has leveraged over $4.6 million in additional funding as a result of the grant
- Formation of spin-off company already underway
- Results have already been published in a peer-reviewed scientific paper
- New IP identified and provisional applications being prepared
- Has garnered support from the likes of Bill & Melinda Gates and Jeff Bezos via the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation
- Significant media interest from a number of networks/sources
- Awarded NHMRC-EU Joint Programme for Neurodegenerative Diseases (JPND) research grant
- Received support from BioMedTech Horizons MRFF scheme to develop the prototype retinal camera into a manufacturable medical device
Speaking of the support provided by the NFMRI, A/Prof van Wijngaarden said, “this funding has enabled us to develop and test several prototypes of our retinal camera. This has been instrumental in our ability to secure additional grant funding and accelerated our progress towards the clinic. In addition, Noel Chambers and his team have provided us with invaluable mentorship and access to some of the leading experts in medical research translation who have generously shared their expertise with us. This know-how has been tremendously helpful to us.”
