Roche receives CE mark for first IVD immunoassay blood test to identify carriers of ApoE4, a genetic variant present in up to 60% of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease
Roche receives CE mark for first IVD immunoassay blood test to identify carriers of ApoE4, a genetic variant present in up to 60% of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease |
| [16-March-2026] |
BASEL, Switzerland, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that it has received CE Mark approval for its Elecsys® Apolipoprotein E4 biomarker test – the first in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) immunoassay to identify the presence of the ApoE4 gene variant in the bloodstream. The ApoE4 gene variant is associated with an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease, and is present in approximately 40–60% of Alzheimer's patients.1 Alzheimer's disease accounts for up to 70% of dementia cases worldwide2 and is predicted to affect almost 150 million people by 2050.3  Until now, confirming ApoE4 carrier status in Alzheimer's patients has relied on molecular DNA testing. The Elecsys ApoE4 test offers a simple, fast and reliable option, using a minimally-invasive blood sample, to identify whether an individual carries the ApoE4 variant. This allows reliable and efficient filtering of non-carriers, reserving genetic testing for patients who need it most. For those identified as carriers, follow-up genetic testing can confirm their status and provide more detailed insights. This will be essential as the use of current disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) is influenced by a patient's genetic profile. "The approval of the Elecsys ApoE4 biomarker test is an important step forward in providing clinicians with a simple, accessible tool to identify genetic risk and guide Alzheimer's treatment decisions," said Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. "By helping clinicians quickly identify and triage ApoE4 carriers among patients with cognitive decline, the test simplifies the diagnostic process as well as patient management." The Elecsys ApoE4 test works alongside Roche's other blood-based Alzheimer's disease biomarkers, including the recently CE-marked Elecsys pTau181 test, which is designed to assess the presence of key proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. Together, these biomarkers provide valuable insights across the diagnostic journey, helping clinicians detect the disease earlier and make informed decisions about patient care after diagnosis. With only a single blood sample needed, the Elecsys ApoE4 can be integrated seamlessly and efficiently into the diagnostic process. Broad access to testing will exist through the large number of Roche instruments currently available in countries accepting the CE mark, providing a scalable plasma-based solution to support the Alzheimer's diagnostic pathway. About Elecsys ApoE4 Elecsys ApoE4 is an in vitro immunoassay for the qualitative determination of the Apolipoprotein E4 in human plasma. The test result is intended to determine ApoE4 carrier status (carrier or non-carrier) in adults with signs and symptoms of cognitive impairment. Identifying carrier status has gained increased clinical importance in the context of DMTs. This is because ApoE4 carriers, particularly those who have inherited two identical copies of the gene (i.e. one from each parent), experience a significantly higher incidence of Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA) during treatment with monoclonal anti-amyloid antibodies than non-carriers. ARIA are temporary brain changes, such as swelling or microscopic bleeds, that can occur when anti-amyloid antibodies begin clearing plaques from the brain.8-10 The clinical performance of the assay was assessed in a prospective multicenter study11 involving 607 participants with cognitive complaints or objective memory impairment of unknown aetiology. The Elecsys ApoE4 results were compared with APOE4 genotyping performed by Sanger bidirectional sequencing. The assay demonstrated 100% concordance between ApoE4p and genetic APOE4 status, correctly identifying all genetic carriers and non-carriers. About Roche in Alzheimer's Roche's unique position as a leader in both pharmaceuticals and diagnostics enables a comprehensive approach to supporting patients across every stage of their journey. From advanced diagnostic tools that enable earlier detection to innovative therapies, Roche is enabling personalised care for patients with Alzheimer's disease. This commitment is underpinned by a vision of transforming outcomes in Alzheimer's disease, creating a path toward new standards of care that can change the lives of patients and their families. About Roche In recognising our endeavor to pursue a long-term perspective in all we do, Roche has been named one of the most sustainable companies in the pharmaceuticals industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the thirteenth consecutive year. This distinction also reflects our efforts to improve access to healthcare together with local partners in every country we work. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com. All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. References For further information, please contact:
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