Decades of Unmet Need

Alzheimer’s disease remains a significant challenge in the neurological disease space, with over seven million Americans directly affected.1 The emotional and financial burden on families is immense, with a lack of tools to help manage this diagnosis and caregivers providing billions of hours of unpaid care annually.1

Read the compassionate story of Carolyn, who in her role as caregiver keeps a positive attitude while fighting alongside her husband, Dave, as they face his Alzheimer’s disease.

Targeting Hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease

With our legacy in precision diagnostics, Lantheus is advancing a suite of radiodiagnostic tools to help unlock the mysteries of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. These targeted radiotracers, in conjunction with imaging modalities like positron emission tomography (PET), may help identify disease biomarkers with precision and clarity, potentially allowing for earlier detection and intervention. 

Our science focuses on tau tangles and beta-amyloid plaques: two biomarkers that are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.2

Tau proteins help maintain the structure and function of neurons by stabilizing their internal transport system. In Alzheimer’s disease, these proteins become abnormal and form tangles inside neurons. This disrupts communication and leads to cell death, making tau tangles an indicator of disease progression.3

Beta amyloid is a protein fragment that accumulates between neurons in Alzheimer’s disease, forming plaques. These plaques disrupt communication between neurons and are strongly linked to cognitive decline. Beta-amyloid plaques are a key indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.3

Why Lantheus Fights to Find Disease

Scientists believe tau tangles and beta amyloid plaques begin forming one to two decades before signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease appear.4 With this knowledge in mind, Lantheus is driven to advance our portfolio of next-generation tools that carry the vision of improved diagnostic performance. We believe this could lead to earlier detection and, for patients, a sense of hope that tomorrow may be brighter.

References: 1. Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer’s Association. Published April 29, 2025. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures 2. Researchers Study Effectiveness of Tau Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Blood Test Among Diverse Participants. National Institute on Aging. Published May 20, 2021. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/researchers-study-effectiveness-tau-biomarkers-alzheimers-blood-test-among-diverse 3. What Happens to the Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease?. National Institute on Aging. Published January 19, 2024. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet#:~:text=Changes%20in%20the%20brain%20may,amyloid%20plaques%20and%20tau%20tangles 4. Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet. National Institute on Aging. Published April 5, 2023. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet#:~:text=Changes%20in%20the%20brain%20may,amyloid%20plaques%20and%20tau%20tangles