The 2024 Biomarkers of Aging Conference at Harvard Medical School brought together leading researchers, industry professionals, and regulatory experts to explore the cutting edge of aging science. As specialists in ultra-sensitive biomarker detection, Cavidi was particularly interested in discussions surrounding low-abundance biomarkers that may serve as early indicators of aging processes.
A key theme emerging from the 2024 Biomarkers of Aging Conference was the importance of multi-omic approaches to aging biomarkers, particularly the integration of proteomic and epigenetic data. The winning team of the Biomarkers of Aging Challenge demonstrated how proteomic predictive models could outperform established epigenetic clocks in predicting mortality risk – highlighting the critical role of protein biomarkers in aging assessment. Many promising aging biomarkers exist at concentrations below the detection limits of standard assays. This challenge parallels what we’ve addressed with our BOLD technology, which enables attomole-level detection using standard immunoassay workflows. As researchers work to validate novel aging biomarkers like phosphorylated tau variants, GFAP, NfL, and various plasma proteins, detection sensitivity becomes increasingly critical.
The conference also emphasized the need for standardization and accessibility in biomarker testing – concerns that align perfectly with Cavidi’s mission. Our Exazym® Signal Amplification kits democratize access to ultra-sensitive detection capabilities without requiring specialized equipment or extensive training, potentially accelerating aging research across institutions regardless of resources. As the field moves toward clinical applications of aging biomarkers, the ability to reliably detect and quantify low-abundance molecules inaccessible sample types like blood will be essential.
Exazym®’s BOLD technology offers researchers a practical path to achieving the sensitivity needed for next-generation aging biomarkers while maintaining workflow compatibility with existing systems. We look forward to seeing how these discoveries in aging biomarkers evolve and are committed to providing tools that help researchers push the boundaries of what’s detectable, ultimately contributing to our understanding of aging and age-related diseases.