Sjogren's disease blood test breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh and University Hospital Bonn have developed an ultrasensitive blood test that can detect Sjogren's disease more than 10 years before symptoms appear. The test identifies elevated levels of interferon alpha (IFN-alpha), a protein linked to the autoimmune condition. The study, published in The Lancet Rheumatology, analyzed blood samples from over 170 patients and found that around 60% had increased IFN-alpha levels, creating a unique protein fingerprint. Further analysis of UK Biobank data showed the fingerprint could be detected a decade before diagnosis. The findings suggest two distinct disease pathways and open the door to targeted treatments. The research was funded by the United Kingdom — Chief Scientist Office and Wellcome Trust, with contributions from Newcastle University and University Hospital Dresden.