A diagnostic test designed to give early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease could be launched in Europe by this summer.

The test, NuroPro, could initially be launched in Greece before expansion to the US in the autumn, SCI Chemistry & Industry magazine reports.

Manufactured by Power3 Medical Products, the test has identified and patented blood proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Some 59 protein biomarkers can be measured by the test to distinguish between Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Lou Gehrig's disease.

Specificity and sensitivity for the test rates is in the high 90s, Power3 claims, with two clinical validation studies currently underway in Greece and the US.

"There is currently no diagnostic test for any neurodegenerative disease on the market - diagnoses are currently based solely on a clinical diagnosis of symptoms," Power3 chief executive, Steve Rash explained.

Kieran Breen, director of research at the Parkinson's Disease Society, said the test could aid in monitoring the progression of disease and assessing the effectiveness of drugs.

However he gave a cautious welcome to the announcement, saying more research had to be undertaken.

"While the test seems promising, larger studies need to be conducted before it can be confirmed as being helpful in making a diagnosis," he said.

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