Frontotemporal dementia study expanded by Centogene

In the run-up to this year’s Rare Disease Day (RDD) on February 28, Centogene a data-driven life science company, expanded its observational study to advance the genetic understanding of frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

The observational epidemiological study in frontotemporal dementia (EFRONT) study is increasing its number of sites to expand access to geographic specific clinicians actively engaged in FTD research.

Since 2008, RDD has been bringing together physicians, patient organizations, researchers, medical companies, and of course, rare disease patients from around the world, raises awareness and serves as an opportunity to generate change for the rare disease community.

With its extensive network of approximately 30,000 active physicians, Centogene will use the study to enroll and complete data-rich genetic testing for over 2,500 FTD patients who have been diagnosed or are suspected to have the disease to learn more about the genetic makeup of the disease.

As part of this ongoing work, the study will expand its efforts across seven countries – increasing access to clinicians actively engaged in FTD research. The study is being conducted with support from Alector, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering immuno-neurology.

EFRONT study participants with genetic mutations in the progranulin (GRN) gene will have the option to enroll in Alector’s phase 3 INFRONT-3 clinical trial of latozinemab, an investigational therapeutic candidate designed to increase progranulin levels for the treatment of FTD.

“Frontotemporal dementia is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease, with no FDA-approved treatments,” said Kim Stratton, chief executive officer at Centogene.

“We are committed to establishing a more inclusive and comprehensive approach from the very beginning of the pipeline to the end. This can only be achieved using diverse knowledge of rare and neurodegenerative diseases, which can be sourced from our biodatabank, from diagnostics to drug discovery, development, and commercialization.”

Alector is a clinical-stage biotechnology company with a therapeutic approach using immune-neurology for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Its developing a broad portfolio of innate immune system programs designed to functionally repair genetic mutations that cause dysfunction of the brain’s immune system and enables the rejuvenated immune cells to counteract emerging brain pathologies. 

“Frontotemporal dementia is a devastating disease for which new treatment options are urgently needed,” said Gary Romano, chief medical officer of Alector.

“The EFRONT study helps us understand the genetic factors of the disease with the ultimate goal of advancing therapeutic options for patients living with FTD.”