Collaborative action for biomarker breakthroughs: Validating α-synuclein seed amplification assays in Parkinson's...

The alpha-synuclein seed amplification assay in cerebrospinal fluid is the first validated molecular measurement of alpha-synuclein biology in a living person. The SAA test is transforming our understanding of aging and neurodegenerative diseases by detecting abnormal synuclein biology, and data suggests SAA positivity can occur across Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. To accelerate development of this important research tool, the Michael J. Fox Foundation proactively funded a community of researchers to work both independently and collaboratively, leading to rapid and iterative progress and validation. The collective validation of the assay across industry and academic groups culminated in a Food and Drug Administration Letter of Support for the test in clinical trials for PD. This article describes the principles that accelerated the development of the assay including patient engagement, collaboration, a commitment to open science through data, sample, and knowledge sharing, and showcases how an international community of experts rallied together towards a common goal.