10090928The Aß+ Reader: A novel hyperspectral fluorescence-lifetime imaging device for detection of dementia biomarkers in the lens of the eyeClosedSmall Business Research InitiativeInnovate UKDementia is a debilitating syndrome that is associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. In the UK alone, "dementia and Alzheimer's disease" is the leading cause of death, accounting for 11.4% of all deaths in 2022, with an annual economic cost of over £34.7 billion. A major barrier for both timely diagnosis and development of effective treatments for dementia is the lack of technologies to detect and monitor the disease. At Occuity, we use the eye as a window on the health of the body. We specialise in non-contact, handheld ophthalmic devices that are optimised for ease of use and affordability. The SBRI competition presents a unique opportunity to apply our disruptive technology to the most feared health condition in the UK. With over half of people delaying seeking diagnosis of dementia, there is a critical need to make the screening process as streamlined and accessible as possible, so as to facilitate routine assessment and earlier diagnosis. This will not only enable patients to plan their future care and financial needs, but will also enable identification of those who may eligible for research studies, including clinical trials. Building on our proprietary technology for measuring intensity and spatial properties of fluorescent proteins in the lens and incorporating temporal capabilities, SBRI support will enable us to apply non-contact imaging techniques to detection of dementia biomarkers in the lens. Crucially, the resultant novel device -- the Aß+ Reader -- will provide accurate data on the fluorescence properties of biomarkers in the lens. By providing a granularity not offered by any other device, there is the potential to discriminate between different proteins to differentially diagnose dementia type and co-morbidities. The goal of this 12-month project is to design and build a prototype device that, combined with a topically administered fluorescent dye, will scan the lens and detect the presence of fluorescent biomarkers, including (but not limited to) Aß. By the end of the project, we aim to provide proof-of-concept for the technology using non-biological samples. The prototype will then be used to attract further investment to support its development into a commercially viable device to be implemented by NHS services, reduce costs, improve accessibility, and streamline the dementia diagnosis process.