COVER STORIES

The Search for Alzheimer’s Diagnostics
Are They Close or Still Years Away?
By Genna Rollins

Long-sought biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease are closer than ever to becoming reality. Their emergence offers the possibility of earlier diagnosis, risk prediction, and drug development and monitoring for this devastating neurological disorder.

Patenting Genes
Is the Future of Genetic Testing on the Line?
By Bill Malone

A lawsuit against Myriad Genetics is challenging not only the company’s patents on genes associated with breast cancer risk, but also the question of whether genetic material should be patented in the first place.

SERIES ARTICLE

a1-Antitrypsin Deficiency
Stepping Up Awareness and Disease Detection
By Joshua Bornhorst, PhD, DABCC

Despite being one of the most common genetic diseases, α1-antitrypsin deficiency remains largely undiagnosed. Genetic testing can help identify the disease and prevent disease progression, but improvements in testing methodologies and algorithms are needed to increase detection of this disease.

NEWS BRIEF

INSIDE

Expert Committee Endorses HbA1c Test for Diagnosing Diabetes
ADA Considering Official Recommendation
By Genna Rollins

The HbA1c test is used extensively to monitor long-term blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Now an expert panel has recommended that the assay be used to diagnose the disease

PROFILES

Regulatory Profiles