Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative Selects PacBio as Technology Partner for Global Project to Advance Alzheimer’s Disease Research in North Africa
PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) has been selected as a technology partner by the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative (DAC) for the North African Dementia Registry (NADR) project. The initiative brings together The American University in Cairo and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology to create a comprehensive multi-omics dataset focused on Alzheimer's disease and dementia research in North African populations.
The NADR, the first dementia-focused registry of its kind in North Africa, will utilize PacBio's long-read sequencing technology to collect biosamples, conduct cognitive assessments, and perform digital phenotyping. The project aims to address the underrepresentation of North African populations in dementia research, with a particular focus on Egypt's population of over 110 million.
The generated data will be made available through the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative (ADDI) platform, providing controlled access to researchers worldwide.
PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) è stata scelta come partner tecnologico dalla Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative (DAC) per il progetto North African Dementia Registry (NADR). L'iniziativa riunisce la American University in Cairo e l'UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology per creare un dataset multi-omico completo, focalizzato sulla ricerca sull'Alzheimer e sulle demenze nelle popolazioni del Nord Africa.
Il NADR, il primo registro dedicato alle demenze di questo tipo nel Nord Africa, utilizzerà la tecnologia di sequenziamento a lettura lunga di PacBio per raccogliere campioni biologici, condurre valutazioni cognitive e realizzare fenotipizzazione digitale. Il progetto mira a colmare la sotto-rappresentazione delle popolazioni nordafricane nella ricerca sulle demenze, con particolare attenzione alla popolazione egiziana di oltre 110 milioni di persone.
I dati generati saranno resi disponibili tramite la piattaforma Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative (ADDI), offrendo un accesso controllato ai ricercatori di tutto il mondo.
PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) ha sido seleccionado como socio tecnológico por la Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative (DAC) para el proyecto North African Dementia Registry (NADR). La iniciativa reúne a la American University in Cairo y al UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology para crear un conjunto de datos multi-ómicos integral centrado en la investigación del Alzheimer y la demencia en poblaciones del norte de África.
El NADR, el primer registro centrado en demencia de este tipo en el norte de África, utilizará la tecnología de secuenciación de lectura larga de PacBio para recolectar muestras biológicas, realizar evaluaciones cognitivas y llevar a cabo fenotipificación digital. El proyecto busca abordar la subrepresentación de las poblaciones del norte de África en la investigación sobre demencia, con especial atención a la población egipcia de más de 110 millones de personas.
Los datos generados estarán disponibles a través de la plataforma Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative (ADDI), proporcionando acceso controlado a investigadores de todo el mundo.
PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB)가 다보스 알츠하이머 협력체(Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative, DAC)에서 진행하는 북아프리카 치매 등록 사업(North African Dementia Registry, NADR)의 기술 파트너로 선정되었습니다. 이 이니셔티브는 카이로 미국 대학교와 UCL 퀸스퀘어 신경학 연구소를 모아 알츠하이머병과 치매 연구를 위한 북아프리카 인구 대상의 종합적인 다중 오믹스 데이터셋을 구축합니다.
NADR은 북아프리카 최초의 치매 중심 등록부로, PacBio의 롱리드 시퀀싱 기술을 활용해 생체 샘플 수집, 인지 평가, 디지털 표현형 분석을 수행합니다. 이 프로젝트는 특히 1억 1천만 명이 넘는 이집트 인구를 중심으로 북아프리카 인구가 치매 연구에서 저평가된 문제를 해결하는 것을 목표로 합니다.
생성된 데이터는 알츠하이머병 데이터 이니셔티브(ADDI) 플랫폼을 통해 전 세계 연구자들에게 통제된 접근 권한으로 제공될 예정입니다.
PacBio (NASDAQ : PACB) a été choisi comme partenaire technologique par la Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative (DAC) pour le projet North African Dementia Registry (NADR). Cette initiative rassemble l'American University in Cairo et l'UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology afin de créer un ensemble de données multi-omiques complet, axé sur la recherche sur la maladie d'Alzheimer et la démence dans les populations d'Afrique du Nord.
Le NADR, premier registre dédié à la démence de ce type en Afrique du Nord, utilisera la technologie de séquençage à lecture longue de PacBio pour collecter des échantillons biologiques, réaliser des évaluations cognitives et effectuer un phénotypage numérique. Le projet vise à combler la sous-représentation des populations nord-africaines dans la recherche sur la démence, en mettant particulièrement l'accent sur la population égyptienne de plus de 110 millions d'habitants.
Les données générées seront mises à disposition via la plateforme Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative (ADDI), offrant un accès contrôlé aux chercheurs du monde entier.
PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) wurde von der Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative (DAC) als Technologiepartner für das Projekt North African Dementia Registry (NADR) ausgewählt. Die Initiative vereint die American University in Cairo und das UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, um einen umfassenden Multi-Omics-Datensatz zu erstellen, der sich auf die Alzheimer- und Demenzforschung bei nordafrikanischen Bevölkerungsgruppen konzentriert.
Das NADR, das erste demenzspezifische Register dieser Art in Nordafrika, wird die Long-Read-Sequenzierungstechnologie von PacBio nutzen, um Bioproben zu sammeln, kognitive Bewertungen durchzuführen und digitales Phänotyping vorzunehmen. Das Projekt zielt darauf ab, die Unterrepräsentation nordafrikanischer Bevölkerungen in der Demenzforschung zu beheben, mit besonderem Fokus auf die ägyptische Bevölkerung von über 110 Millionen Menschen.
Die erzeugten Daten werden über die Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative (ADDI)-Plattform zugänglich gemacht und Forschern weltweit kontrollierten Zugang bieten.
- Strategic partnership with global Alzheimer's research initiative expands PacBio's market presence
- Access to large-scale genetic data from Egypt's 110+ million population
- Potential for new revenue streams through research partnerships
- None.
Insights
PacBio gains scientific validation through Alzheimer's research partnership in understudied North African populations, expanding application potential.
This partnership with the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative (DAC) represents strategic positioning for PacBio in the emerging field of neurogenomics. The company's long-read sequencing technology offers distinct advantages for studying complex genetic factors in Alzheimer's disease that short-read methods often miss. By focusing on North African populations, PacBio addresses a critical gap in genomic databases where genetic diversity has been historically underrepresented.
The collaboration with prestigious institutions like UCL and The American University in Cairo enhances PacBio's scientific credibility while providing access to unique genetic data from a population that bridges Africa and the Middle East. Egypt's population exceeding 110 million represents a rich genetic tapestry that could yield novel insights into Alzheimer's disease mechanisms.
While no financial terms are disclosed, the partnership adds valuable validation for PacBio's technology in medically relevant applications. The initiative to develop a comprehensive multi-omics dataset through the first dementia-focused registry in North Africa positions PacBio's technology at the intersection of precision medicine and global health equity.
The agreement to make data accessible via the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative platform maximizes research visibility for PacBio's technological capabilities. This collaboration demonstrates how PacBio's sequencing platform can contribute to understanding complex disorders while potentially informing future diagnostic approaches and therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative disease research.
PacBio's sequencing technology will power the first North African dementia registry, addressing critical gaps in Alzheimer's genetic research.
This collaboration addresses a significant blindspot in Alzheimer's research by focusing on the understudied genetic landscape of North African populations. The North African Dementia Registry (NADR) marks the first dementia-focused registry of its kind in the region, creating a foundational resource that has been notably absent from global research efforts.
PacBio's selection as the technology partner demonstrates the recognized value of high-quality long-read sequencing for complex disease research. This technology is particularly valuable for capturing the structural variants and complex genomic regions that often influence neurodegenerative diseases but remain difficult to detect with conventional methods.
The registry will enable comprehensive biosamples collection, cognitive assessments, and digital phenotyping—creating a multi-dimensional dataset that goes beyond genomics alone. This approach aligns with current best practices in Alzheimer's research, where multiple data types are integrated to gain holistic understanding of disease mechanisms.
For a region with remarkable genetic diversity that has been underrepresented in global genomic databases, this initiative could uncover population-specific risk factors and protective variants. The project exemplifies the growing recognition that diverse population studies are essential for developing truly effective diagnostics and treatments. By contributing technology to this scientifically valuable project, PacBio positions itself as an enabler of inclusive genomic medicine while demonstrating the utility of its platform in neurogenomics research.
International research team aims to develop better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in diverse populations
MENLO PARK, Calif. and GENEVA, Switzerland , April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC), a global initiative to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and improve brain health, today announced that PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB), a leader in high-quality, highly-accurate long-read sequencing platforms, will be a technology partner to its North African Dementia Registry (NADR) project. Spearheaded by DAC, this effort brings together The Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology (I-GHHE) at The American University in Cairo (AUC) and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London (UCL), and aims to develop a high-quality, comprehensive multi-omics dataset to advance the research community’s understanding of the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease and dementias in diverse global populations.
This collaboration represents a significant step toward addressing the underrepresentation of North African populations in dementia research. The NADR is the first dementia-focused registry of its kind in North Africa. The DAC-led effort with AUC and UCL will enable biosamples collection, cognitive assessments and digital phenotyping. By generating a comprehensive multi-omics dataset, researchers will have the opportunity to explore new insights into the genetic and environmental factors contributing to Alzheimer's disease and dementias. This initiative will leverage PacBio's advanced sequencing technology to generate genetic insights that can guide future research, prevention, and treatment efforts.
Vaibhav Narayan, Executive Vice President at Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, highlighted the global impact of this effort. "This collaboration will bolster our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease in a region characterized by remarkable genetic diversity. Over time, these insights will inform locally relevant prevention and intervention strategies for communities often overlooked in global research efforts."
"We are proud to partner with DAC, AUC, and UCL on this important project to advance our understanding of the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease, and hopefully help researchers identify new diagnostic tools and therapeutic solutions," said Neil Ward, Vice President and General Manager of EMEA at PacBio. "Our long-read sequencing technology is uniquely suited to deliver the high-quality genomic data needed to explore the complex genetic landscape of Alzheimer’s disease. This initiative aligns with our commitment to enabling genomic discoveries that improve human health worldwide."
Dr Mie Rizig, UCL NADR lead and clinical senior research fellow in the Department of Neuromuscular Diseases at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, emphasized the critical need for robust datasets in dementia research. "Addressing the global challenge of dementia requires diverse, high-quality datasets. With PacBio's technology and workflows, we can accelerate our understanding of the genetic architecture of populations in North Africa and uncover novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets."
"With a population exceeding 110 million, Egypt serves as a unique bridge between Africa and the Middle East, offering a rich tapestry of genetic and cultural heritage," said Mohamed Salama, author of AL-SEHA, AUC-NADR lead, and professor at AUC's I-GHHE. "This collaboration not only promises to benefit the Egyptian population but also aims to advance our collective understanding of dementia in the region and beyond." Data generated through this collaboration will be made accessible via the Alzheimer’s Disease Data Initiative (ADDI) platform, which provides controlled access to researchers worldwide to support continued innovation in Alzheimer’s disease research. DAC is bringing together a diverse array of partners to foster collaboration and innovation to enhance our capabilities and drive meaningful outcomes that address the challenges and opportunities in brain health. Together, we are committed to building a future that benefits all stakeholders involved.
About the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative
The Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative (DAC) is a pioneering worldwide initiative to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and improve brain health, seeking to mirror the success of global efforts against infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Covid, and Malaria. DAC is extending global research beyond its current focus on traditional Western European ethnic populations into the highly diversified populations of the Global South, where the vast majority of those with Alzheimer’s live. By introducing lower-cost screening and diagnostic tools as well as new treatment and prevention modalities in primary care and community health settings, DAC is driving implementation of health system solutions that are appropriate for worldwide application. DAC also promotes the vital importance of brain health throughout the lifespan by addressing cardiometabolic and lifestyle factors, especially in early and mid-life. Absent effective action at scale around the world, by 2050, more than 150 million families and half a billion people will be personally impacted by dementia, creating a social, financial, economic, and global security disaster of historic proportions. DAC was launched in Davos in 2021 by the World Economic Forum and the Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer's Disease. For more information, please visit: davosalzheimerscollaborative.org.
About The American University in Cairo (AUC) and the Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology (I-GHHE)
Founded in 1919, The American University in Cairo (AUC) is a leading English-language, American-accredited institution of higher education and center of the intellectual, social, and cultural life of the Arab world. It is a vital bridge between East and West, linking Egypt and the region to the world through scholarly research, partnerships with academic and research institutions and study abroad programs.
The University offers 39 undergraduate, 52 master’s and two PhD programs rooted in a liberal arts education that encourages students to think critically and find creative solutions to conflicts and challenges facing both the region and the world.
An independent, nonprofit, politically non-partisan, non-sectarian and equal opportunity institution, AUC is fully accredited in Egypt and the United States.
Espousing a philosophy of implementation sciences, the Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology (I-GHHE) at AUC capitalizes on talents and resources across the University, including the Biomedical Sciences, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and Engineering within the School of Sciences and Engineering (SSE), the community insights of the Social and Behavioral Sciences in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the economic and entrepreneurial expertise of the School of Business, and the practical know-how of public policy and administration in the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. With a holistic approach to health and sustainability, the I-GHHE provides an initial focus on curricula and research in support of Environmental Health, Precision Health and Public Health Policy and Management, inclusive of leadership and emergency management.
About UCL – London’s Global University
UCL is a diverse global community of world-class academics, students, industry links, external partners, and alumni. Our powerful collective of individuals and institutions work together to explore new possibilities.
Since 1826, we have championed independent thought by attracting and nurturing the world's best minds. Our community of more than 50,000 students from 150 countries and over 16,000 staff pursues academic excellence, breaks boundaries and makes a positive impact on real world problems.
The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2024, we are consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the world and are one of only a handful of institutions rated as having the strongest academic reputation and the broadest research impact.
We have a progressive and integrated approach to our teaching and research – championing innovation, creativity and cross-disciplinary working. We teach our students how to think, not what to think, and see them as partners, collaborators and contributors. For almost 200 years, we are proud to have opened higher education to students from a wide range of backgrounds and to change the way we create and share knowledge.
We were the first in England to welcome women to university education and that courageous attitude and disruptive spirit is still alive today. We are UCL.
www.ucl.ac.uk | Read news at www.ucl.ac.uk/news/ | Listen to UCL podcasts on SoundCloud | View images on Flickr | Find out what’s on at UCL Minds
About Pacific Biosciences
PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) is a premier life science technology company that designs, develops, and manufactures advanced sequencing solutions to help scientists and clinical researchers resolve genetically complex problems. Our products and technologies stem from two highly differentiated core technologies focused on accuracy, quality and completeness which include our HiFi long-read sequencing and our SBB® short-read sequencing technologies. Our products address solutions across a broad set of research applications including human germline sequencing, plant and animal sciences, infectious disease and microbiology, oncology, and other emerging applications. For more information, please visit www.pacb.com and follow @PacBio.
PacBio products are provided for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the uses, advantages, quality or performance of, the benefits or expected benefits of using, PacBio products or technologies, including in connection with the use of PacBio technology in, or that PacBio technology is uniquely suited for, the NADR project intended to study and accelerate advancements to better understand underlying factors contributing to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; that the NADR results could guide future research, prevention, and treatment efforts or identify new diagnostic tools, biomarkers, therapeutic solutions or potential therapeutic targets; accessibility of data generated during the NADR project through the ADDI platform; and other future events. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they are subject to assumptions, risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from currently anticipated results. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks related to reductions in government funding for research grants or contracts; the impact of U.S. export restrictions and tariffs on the shipment of PacBio products to and sourcing of materials from certain countries; rapidly changing technologies and extensive competition in genomic sequencing; unanticipated increases in costs or expenses; interruptions or delays in the supply of components or materials for, or manufacturing of, PacBio products and products under development; third-party claims alleging infringement of patents and proprietary rights or seeking to invalidate PacBio's patents or proprietary rights; and other risks associated with general macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical instability. Additional factors that could materially affect actual results can be found in PacBio's most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including PacBio's most recent reports on Forms 8-K, 10-K, and 10-Q, and include those listed under the caption “Risk Factors.” These forward-looking statements, including PacBio’s preliminary unaudited financial information and PacBio’s financial guidance, are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof; except as required by law, PacBio disclaims any obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.
Contacts (For DAC)
Susan Oliver
soliver@davosalzheimerscollaborative.org
Phone: 1-703-216-4078
Contacts (For PacBio)
Investors and Media:
Todd Friedman
ir@pacificbiosciences.com
Media:
ir@pacificbiosciences.com
FAQ
What is the significance of PacBio's partnership with the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative for NADR?
How will the NADR project impact Alzheimer's research in North Africa?
What technology will PACB provide for the North African Dementia Registry project?
How will researchers access the data generated from this PACB-supported initiative?
