The Karikari Lab is situated at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospitals, right in the heart of Pittsburgh’s healthcare corridor. Under the leadership of Thomas K. Karikari, Ph.D., a global expert in fluid biomarker assay development and validation, the lab is supported by a multidisciplinary team with a wide range of expertise. It encompasses ample laboratory space and advanced instrumentation to facilitate cutting-edge immunoassays and mass spectrometry experiments.

Our lab’s primary focus is advancing biomarker research for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia (ADRD). We are particularly interested in developing and applying blood-based biomarker assays to detect toxic protein aggregates that contribute to neurodegenerative disorders. We have developed highly sensitive blood biomarkers for amyloid beta peptides and various forms of tau (phosphorylated-tau and brain-derived tau). In collaboration with clinical teams, we have applied these biomarkers to numerous clinical cohorts to evaluate their effectiveness in predicting AD pathologies. Our mission is to provide readily available tools for AD diagnosis and prognosis to a wide range of populations, including minoritized and low-income groups.

We welcome collaborative opportunities to further explore these advancements and extend their applications. Engaging with us offers a chance to contribute to transformative research and improve global healthcare outcomes. For collaboration inquiries and to learn more about our groundbreaking work, please contact us.