Oxford Brain Diagnostics to launch groundbreaking dementia diagnosis technology

Company secures regulatory approvals for commercial rollout in UK and US

With over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia, Oxford Brain Diagnostics (OBD) is set to revolutionise early diagnosis with its patented Cortical Disarray Measurement (CDM®) technology. The software analyses standard MRI scans to provide an objective measure of neurodegeneration, offering a more precise way to assess brain health.

Following FDA 510(k) clearance and UKCA self-certification, OBD will now roll out its technology commercially across healthcare sectors in the UK and US. The company aims to advance neurodegeneration diagnostics globally, helping healthcare providers detect and monitor diseases like Alzheimer’s earlier.

OBD was founded in 2019 by Dr Steven Chance, former associate professor of neuroscience at Oxford University, and Professor Mark Jenkinson, professor of neuroimaging. Built on decades of expertise in brain pathology and imaging, CDM® was granted Breakthrough Device Designation status by the FDA in 2020 for evaluating adults at risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

In 2023 the company secured multi-million-pound investment from BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor, alongside continued support from existing investors, including the Oxford Technology & Innovations Fund. This funding enabled OBD to secure regulatory approvals and commercial rollout, laying the foundation for global expansion.

Dr Steven Chance, CEO and co-founder of OBD, said: “Neurodegenerative diseases represent a growing public health challenge, impacting millions of patients and their families worldwide. The support from BGF and other investors and partners is enabling us to accelerate the path to the commercialisation of our software tool and bring hope to those millions who are seeking a non-invasive, precision diagnostic tool to reveal the truth about their brain health.”

Maggy Lau, investor at BGF, said: “OBD’s progress over the past two years has been remarkable. The technology is truly differentiated, and its recent regulatory achievements signal just how close it is to making a major impact. We’re proud to back a business that’s taking on one of the toughest and most important challenges in healthcare today.”

With the arrival of new anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s drugs, early and accurate diagnosis is more crucial than ever. OBD’s technology directly addresses this need, supporting pharmaceutical trials, drug development and expanding into healthcare settings.

Beyond dementia, OBD’s platform shows promise in detecting Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, widening its impact across clinical and research fields