WELCOME: GLOBAL BHP BRAINTRUST
A Message from Andrea Pfeifer, Chair of the Global BHP BrainTrust
July not only marked the celebration of World Brain Day, but also a major new study has discovered important clues that could help us better detect and treat Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases.
The Global Neurodegeneration Proteomics Consortium (GNPC), a public-private partnership supported by leaders including Bill Gates, has built one of the world’s largest harmonized datasets with over 250 million unique protein measurements from more than 35,000 biofluid samples contributed by 23 partners. Among the most significant findings, GNPC researchers identified that certain blood signatures tell us with 99% confidence whether someone has copies of the high-risk APOE4 gene, the strongest known genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. These insights also deepen our understanding of how inflammation and immune response to infection may accelerate the disease, alongside the well-known buildup of amyloid and tau proteins.
This is a defining moment. It demonstrates the power of global scientific collaboration and open data sharing to accelerate discovery. As we move forward, efforts like GNPC will be central to developing earlier, more accurate diagnoses and ultimately, better treatments for millions affected worldwide.