Advances in Diagnostic Tools: The Syn-One Test® from CND Life Sciences

In recent studies, the incidence of Parkinson’s disease is shown to be increasing from 60,000 to 90,000 cases per year¹. Despite this growing prevalence, significant gaps remain in care for those affected. Surveys indicate that merely 9.1% of individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s consult a Movement Disorder Specialist, while 40% do not seek evaluation from a neurologist at all². Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease presents a complex challenge, often relying heavily on neurologic examinations and medical history.

Unfortunately, with current diagnostic methods, up to 30% of patients receive inaccurate diagnoses in the early stages of the disease. In this webinar, Dr. Padma Mahant, Director of Medical Affairs at CND Life Sciences and Movement Disorder Specialist joined our own movement disorders neurologists, Drs. Liz Ferluga and Jaime Hatcher-Martin to discuss the Syn-One Test®, a revolutionary tool in the diagnostic journey of Parkinsonian diseases, including Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Multiple System Atrophy, and others.

The Syn-One Test® is a minimally invasive skin biopsy procedure that is conveniently performed in an office setting. The test involves taking a small 3 mm skin biopsy from three specific sites: the base of the neck, just above the knee, and just above the ankle. This test specifically looks for the deposition of alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with certain disease states like Parkinson’s Disease, in the nerves. By examining the nerve tissues for abnormal accumulation of alpha-synuclein, the Syn-One Test® retains an impressive accuracy rate of over 95% in sensitivity and specificity.  

This heightened diagnostic precision offers clinicians a crucial advantage in distinguishing Parkinson’s disease from common mimics, potentially leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses. CND Life Sciences continues to evaluate the diagnostic ability of the Syn-One Test®. Ongoing studies are planned to explore its efficacy in monitoring patients with REM behavior disorder over time. In addition, research is underway to differentiate Alzheimer’s disease from Dementia with Lewy Bodies based on skin biopsy findings and to monitor changes in these conditions over time. Through ongoing research and innovation, the Syn-One Test® holds promise as a pivotal tool in the fight against Parkinsonian diseases.