Swedish research-based biopharmaceutical company BioArctic AB (STO:BIOAB) announced on Thursday the signing of a research agreement with Brain Biomarker Solutions in Gothenburg AB (BBS).

BBS was founded by the well-known researchers in the area of Alzheimer diagnostics, Professors Kaj Blennow and Henrik Zetterberg and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.

Reportedly, the objective of this research collaboration is to develop new and improved diagnostic methods for Alzheimer's disease by identifying and measuring new biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood.

The goal is to be able to better and more accurately diagnose the disease and to achieve a more precise monitoring of the disease process and to demonstrate and follow the effect of new drugs targeting the amyloid pathology.

According to the company, this represents a huge need from the pharmaceutical industry in the development of new drugs. Biomarkers are substances in CSF, blood or other tissues that can be used to get information of a disease and its progression.

In this collaboration, BioArctic will contribute with its proprietary antibodies and its expertise in regulatory affairs. The project results are equally owned by the parties, each responsible for their own costs. Also, the revenues should be shared equally between the parties at a potential out licensing.

The long-term goal with the research collaboration is to develop diagnostic products, which will be commercialised and through licensing or other business arrangements, with possibilities of future revenues from royalties.

BioArctic is focusing on disease modifying treatments and reliable biomarkers and diagnostics for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The company also develops a potential treatment for Complete Spinal Cord Injury.