WASHINGTON (June 14, 2007) – Congressman Chandler announced today that Scout Diagnostics, a Kentucky-based company, will receive over $100,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the development of a diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s disease.  Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Scout Diagnostics was spawned from the University of Kentucky’s incubator for technology transfer.

“Alzheimer’s disease affects nearly five million Americans and their families and is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States,” said Congressman Ben Chandler.  “Substantial funds must be invested in Alzheimer’s research if there is to be significant progress in fighting the disease.”

Scout Diagnostics was founded by John Beran in 2006 to develop and market a new Alzheimer’s diagnostic test.  The test identifies certain protein complexes which serve as biomarkers used to detect Alzheimer’s disease prior to clinical diagnosis.  Scout Diagnostics is preparing clinical studies in anticipation of filing for Food and Drug Administration approval of this test.  The company will use the funding to begin these clinical studies.

“I am pleased that Scout Diagnostics has been awarded this grant.  It is crucial that we provide the necessary resources for researchers and scientists like those at Scout Diagnostics to work toward ways to better treat—and someday find a cure for—debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s,” said Chandler.  “I am proud that Kentucky’s own researchers and scientists are leading the way in this important effort.”

Congressman Chandler is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Alzheimer's Disease Congressional Task Force.

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