VαMPiRE
Validation of α-synuclein Modifications in Parkinson’s dIsoRder Evolution
VαMPiRE at a glance
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting over 9.4 million worldwide and potentially exceeding 12 million cases globally by 2040. Despite advancements, early diagnosis and treatment remain challenging due to the lack of reliable biomarkers. Misfolded α-synuclein proteins play a key role in PD pathology and have emerged as promising diagnostic targets. The EU-funded VαMPiRE project will study α-synuclein isoforms in neuronal-derived extracellular vesicles from a large cohort of PD patients and non-PD individuals. Project findings will contribute to the development of a novel in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test for early PD detection and progression monitoring. This innovation could enhance early screening and detection, improve disease management and patient outcomes to develop better treatments
Improved PD screening will allow earlier detection for 270,000 new yearly cases, and better disease management of 9.4 M people currently diagnosed. This will avoid the lost of 5.8 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) by 2028 and facilitate development of better treatments
A Game-Changer in the Fight Against Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) challenges millions globally, with its progressive nature leaving patients and caregivers in a constant battle against its debilitating effects. Despite years of research, the lack of early diagnostic tools and effective biomarkers has kept us one step behind in this fight. Now, VαMPiRE, our groundbreaking initiative, is poised to change that narrative.
This visionary project aims to revolutionize the early detection, prognosis, and management of PD through cutting-edge science and innovation:

Early Detection Redefined
Harnessing recent discoveries, we will investigate α-Synuclein (α-Syn) isoforms and biomarkers in neuronal-derived extracellular vesicles (NDEVs) using blood samples from 1,200 participants. Our approach is designed to uncover the earliest signals of PD.

AI-Powered Insights
By employing advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms, we will translate complex biomarker data into actionable diagnostic tools, ensuring precision and reliability in real-world clinical settings.

A Collaborative Endeavor
Working alongside leading laboratories and IVD manufacturers, we aim to create and validate an innovative IVD test. This prototype will identify PD in its earliest stages, estimate disease progression, and monitor treatment response.
Join Us on This Transformative Journey
VαMPiRE represents more than a project; it’s a movement towards redefining how we combat Parkinson’s disease. Let’s shape the future together, paving the way for earlier interventions, better treatments, and hope for millions.

Revolutionizing Early Detection and Prognosis of Parkinson’s Disease
Through rigorous longitudinal studies, monthly follow-ups, and cutting-edge validation methods, VαMPiRE will ensure that the developed test not only detects PD early but also helps predict its progression and treatment outcomes with unparalleled accuracy.
The longitudinal study includes a 24 months follow up of both PD and non-PD participants, recruited following a cluster adjusted case-control methodology.
During this period, both cohorts will be followed up with monthly progress surveys. This will allow validating not only PD detection statistic power but also progression and treatment response.
Also, about 5% of those initially recruited as non-PD subjects are expected to develop the disease. Which will make possible to set the detection capacity in very early stages

Transforming Parkinson’s Diagnosis: Accessible, Affordable, and Impactful
We envision a future where early PD diagnosis is accessible, affordable, and transformative. Our consortium is committed to translating these breakthroughs into commercialized solutions that benefit patients and healthcare systems worldwide.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-HLTH-2024-DISEASE-03-two-stage program under grant agreement No 101156370.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HORIZON-RIA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.