The 17^th annual Human Amyloid Imaging (HAI) conference, held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from January 15-17, 2025, brought together top experts and key opinion leaders (KOLs) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. With a strong emphasis on PET imaging and emerging biomarker technologies, the conference provided a comprehensive platform to discuss the latest advancements in neurodegenerative disease detection and monitoring.

A Focused Conference with Strategic Value

This year’s conference highlighted the growing synergy between PET imaging specialists and biomarker developers, reflecting an increasing interest in integrating blood-based (BB) biomarkers into the imaging-based study of disease progression.

Key Highlights and Emerging Trends

PET Imaging’s Expanding Role

HAI 2025 reaffirmed PET imaging’s critical role in AD diagnosis and monitoring, with discussions emphasizing its utility in capturing amyloid and tau deposition dynamics. However, it was evident that the PET community is eager to collaborate with BB biomarker researchers to enhance understanding of disease pathology and progression. Keynote speakers during “Session I: Harmonization” provided insights into novel PET tracers and their correlation with other diagnostic modalities, such as fluid biomarkers and cognitive assessments. This session heavily underscored the potential for hybrid approaches to improve early detection and therapeutic monitoring.

The Rise of Blood-Based Biomarkers

One of the most exciting developments at HAI 2025 was the attention given to BB biomarkers, with several discussions centering on their integration into clinical workflows. Three keynote speakers, Hartmuth Kolb, Lea Grinberg, and Sid O’Bryant, shared compelling research on novel biomarkers, including Truncated-Tau (T-Tau), which has been identified as one of the earliest indicators of AD progression. This emerging biomarker was highlighted in a recent study published in Nature Reviews Neurology (DOI: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41582-024-00940-4), suggesting it could offer new avenues for early intervention.

Harmonization and Standardization Challenges

The conference also highlighted the ongoing challenges of standardizing PET imaging and biomarker measurements across diverse cohorts. Discussions focused on the need for harmonized protocols to ensure consistency and comparability in multicenter studies. Advances in data harmonization methods, including the use of advanced statistical models and AI-driven analytics, were explored as potential solutions.

Longitudinal Studies and Disease Progression Models

A resounding theme at HAI 2025 was the importance of longitudinal data in understanding AD progression. The potential of combining amyloid PET with plasma-based biomarkers to track early disease changes was a recurring discussion point. Speakers emphasized the need for robust datasets that integrate imaging and fluid biomarkers over time to establish more accurate disease progression models.

Conclusion

Finally, HAI 2025 provided a valuable opportunity to engage with top AD researchers and gain insights into emerging trends in PET imaging and biomarker integration. The conference underscored the growing momentum behind BB biomarkers, positioning Quanterix at the forefront of this evolving landscape.

For more details about the conference, visit the official website: Human Amyloid Imaging | Human Amyloid Imaging Conference