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Centogene, Alector Partner to ID Frontotemporal Dementia Patients With Genetic Mutations

NEW YORK – Centogene said on Wednesday that it has partnered with biotechnology firm Alector on an observational study to identify frontotemporal dementia patients with genetic mutations.

Alector, a South San Francisco-based immuno-neurology company developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, will provide undisclosed financial support for the effort.

The study, called EFRONT, aims to enroll more than 3,000 FTD patients for genetic testing at centers in Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey.

"The study will take full advantage of the power of Centogene's unique bio/databank, expertise in neuroscience, and extensive network of neurologists," said Centogene CEO Andrin Oswald in a statement.

“In line with our commitment to improving the lives of patients with frontotemporal dementia, we are pleased to support Centogene's efforts to advance a better and more comprehensive understanding of the genetic underpinnings of FTD through the observational EFRONT study," said Robert Paul, chief medical officer of Alector.

FTD, which currently has no treatments, affects approximately 110,000 patients in the European Union and more than 50,000 in the US. Between 5 and 10 percent of FTD patients harbor a mutation in the progranulin gene, according to Rostock, Germany-based Centogene, and for many others, the disease cause is thought to be genetic.