ULTRA-SENSITIVE PROTEOMICS · SIMOA® DIGITAL IMMUNOASSAY SERVICES
Measure what conventional immunoassays cannot
Up to 1,000-fold greater sensitivity than conventional ELISA, across validated single-plex assays, neurology multiplex panels and custom Homebrew development.
Run in our own laboratory, with data back in two weeks.
ULTRA-SENSITIVE PROTEOMICS · SIMOA® DIGITAL IMMUNOASSAY SERVICES
Measure what conventional immunoassays cannot
Up to 1,000-fold greater sensitivity than conventional ELISA, across validated single-plex assays, neurology multiplex panels and custom Homebrew development.
Run in our own laboratory, with data back in two weeks.
Over 3,200 peer-reviewed publications on Simoa
Over 3,200 peer-reviewed publications on Simoa
Data in 2 weeks, not months
Data in 2 weeks, not months
Homebrew custom assay development
Homebrew custom assay development
HTA licensed, GCP compliant
HTA licensed, GCP compliant
Over 3,200 peer-reviewed publications on Simoa
Data in 2 weeks, not months
Homebrew custom assay development
HTA licensed, GCP compliant
WHAT IS SIMOA®
The digital immunoassay that redefined sensitivity
Conventional ELISA reaches a practical limit at picogram-per-millilitre detection. For many of the biomarkers that matter most, that floor is too high:
Neurofilament light
GFAP
Phosphorylated tau
Low-circulating cytokines
Simoa®, the Single Molecule Array, replaces the analogue readout of a standard immunoassay with a digital one. Individual antibody-antigen-bead complexes are isolated in femtolitre-scale wells and counted one at a time.
That gives up to 1,000-fold improvement in sensitivity, femtogram-per-millilitre detection, and a validated assay menu with a long publication and regulatory track record. More than 560 biomarkers have been studied on the platform across over 3,200 peer-reviewed publications.
That sensitivity is why Simoa has become an established platform for blood-based neurology biomarkers. Many programmes are now expected to align to it.
NULISA, the NUcleic acid Linked Immuno-Sandwich Assay, changes that.
A sequential capture-and-release mechanism suppresses assay background by around 10,000-fold compared with traditional proximity ligation, moving detection into the attomolar range, or low to sub-fg/mL.
Historically you chose between sensitivity and breadth. NULISA gives you both: up to 340 targets in a single run, with the low-abundance proteins still measurable.
Certification means your study runs on the ARGO™ HT automated system using Alamar's curated panels, with our scientists on it from the first conversation.
WHY SIMOA®
What you gain
Single-molecule sensitivity
Up to 1,000-fold greater sensitivity than conventional ELISA, making targets measurable that standard immunoassays cannot see at all.
Deep validation history
Over 3,200 peer-reviewed publications and more than 560 biomarkers studied, across neurology, inflammation, oncology, cardiology and infectious disease.
Absolute quantitation
Simoa reports absolute concentrations in pg/mL, so results compare against published data, external cohorts and regulated work.
Lower sample volume
We run on the SR-X system, which requires less sample per assay than the automated HD-X format. For paediatric cohorts, CSF, biobank aliquots and any study where volume is the rate-limiting reagent, that difference decides whether the work is possible.
Custom assay development
Simoa Homebrew extends the platform to proprietary or research-stage biomarkers with no commercial kit. SR-X is the format Homebrew development is built around. We scope feasibility and antibody-pair suitability before you commit.
Three platforms, one laboratory
Simoa sits alongside NULISA and MSD here. When a programme needs orthogonal validation or a multi-platform workflow, that happens with the same team and the same samples.
Talk to a scientist about your targets
Specifications at a glance
Specifications at a glance
Platform
Simoa on the SR-X Biomarker Detection System
Sensitivity
Up to 1,000-fold greater than conventional ELISA. Femtogram-per-millilitre for many targets. SR-X performance figures confirmed per assay at scoping
Multiplexing
Single-plex to 4-plex, depending on assay
Assay menu
Any SR-X-compatible Simoa assay across neurology, inflammation, oncology, cardiology and infectious disease, plus Homebrew custom development
Sample volume
25 to 100 µL per replicate, assay-dependent, and lower on SR-X than automated formats. Ship the assay requirement plus 10 µL. Confirmed per assay at scoping
Matrices
Plasma, serum, CSF and brain lysate as standard. Non-standard matrices scoped for feasibility
Data output
Absolute concentrations in pg/mL
Deliverables
Normalised data, calibration curves, QC metrics and run documentation. Bioinformatic analysis available
Turnaround
Two weeks from sample receipt for validated assays. Homebrew development quoted separately
Cohort size
Best suited to studies of up to a few hundred samples. For larger cohorts we would recommend NULISA
Quality framework
HTA licence 12818. GCP-compliant workflows. Aligned to ISO 15189
Regulatory status
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures
Sample requirements
Working out your shipping volume
Freeze and thaw
Shipping samples internationally
Sample requirements
Working out your shipping volume
Freeze and thaw
Shipping samples internationally
Platform
Simoa on the SR-X Biomarker Detection System
Sensitivity
Up to 1,000-fold greater than conventional ELISA.
Femtogram-per-millilitre for many targets.
SR-X performance figures confirmed per assay at scoping
Multiplexing
Single-plex to 4-plex, depending on assay
Assay menu
Any SR-X-compatible Simoa assay across neurology, inflammation, oncology, cardiology and infectious disease, plus Homebrew custom development
Sample volume
25 to 100 µL per replicate, assay-dependent, and lower on SR-X than automated formats. Ship the assay requirement plus 10 µL. Confirmed per assay at scoping
Matrices
Plasma, serum, CSF and brain lysate as standard. Non-standard matrices scoped for feasibility
Data output
Absolute concentrations in pg/mL
Deliverables
Normalised data, calibration curves, QC metrics and run documentation. Bioinformatic analysis available
Turnaround
Two weeks from sample receipt for validated assays. Homebrew development quoted separately
Cohort size
Up to [X] samples. For larger cohorts we would recommend NULISA, and will say so
Quality framework
HTA licence 12818. GCP-compliant workflows. Aligned to ISO 15189
Regulatory status
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures
AVAILABLE PANELS AND ASSAYS
Panels and assays
We run the Simoa menu on the SR-X system: neurology multiplex panels, validated single-plex assays, inflammation assays and custom Homebrew development. If an assay runs on SR-X, we can run it. We confirm compatibility and SR-X performance for your specific targets at scoping.
We run the Simoa menu on the SR-X system: neurology multiplex panels, validated single-plex assays, inflammation assays and custom Homebrew development.
If an assay runs on SR-X, we can run it. We confirm compatibility and SR-X performance for your specific targets at scoping.
Neurology multiplex panels
Single-plex neurology assays
Inflammation and cytokines
Oncology, cardiology and infectious disease
Simoa Homebrew
Neurology 4-Plex E (N4PE)
Neurology 4-Plex D (N4PD)
Neurology 4-Plex A and B
Neuro 3-Plex A and Neuro 2-Plex B
Aβ40, Aβ42, GFAP and NfL in plasma or CSF. Widely used in Alzheimer's research, including published cohorts comparing the Aβ42/40 ratio against PET and CSF reference standards.
Neurology 4-Plex E (N4PE)
Aβ40, Aβ42, GFAP and NfL in plasma or CSF. Widely used in Alzheimer's research, including published cohorts comparing the Aβ42/40 ratio against PET and CSF reference standards.
Neurology 4-Plex D (N4PD)
BD-Tau, NfL, GFAP and UCH-L1. Designed for neurodegenerative profiling including Alzheimer's research and traumatic brain injury.
Neurology 4-Plex A and B
NfL, total tau, GFAP and UCH-L1. The original Simoa neurology multiplex, and the one to choose when comparability with existing datasets matters most.broadest immune panel, measuring approximately 340 immune-related proteins in a single run. Coverage extends beyond cytokines and chemokines to immune checkpoints, metabolic regulators, cell death mediators and co-stimulatory proteins, at fg/mL to sub-pg/mL concentrations. Choose this when you need the widest view of immune activity: cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, autoimmune disease, and ageing research where chronic low-grade inflammation is the biology of interest.
Neuro 3-Plex A and Neuro 2-Plex B
Focused lower-plex configurations for studies needing a narrower subset. 3-Plex A covers total tau, Aβ42 and Aβ40. 2-Plex B covers NfL and GFAP.
NULISAseq Mouse Panel 120
Inflammation and neurology coverage for murine models, supporting translational bridging between preclinical and clinical proteomics.
Neurology multiplex panels
Single-plex neurology assays
Inflammation and cytokines
Oncology, cardiology and infectious disease
Simoa Homebrew
Neurology multiplex panels
Single-plex neurology assays
Inflammation and cytokines
Oncology, cardiology and infectious disease
Simoa Homebrew
Neurology 4-Plex E (N4PE)
Neurology 4-Plex D (N4PD)
Neurology 4-Plex A and B
Neuro 3-Plex A and Neuro 2-Plex B
Aβ40, Aβ42, GFAP and NfL in plasma or CSF. Widely used in Alzheimer's research, including published cohorts comparing the Aβ42/40 ratio against PET and CSF reference standards.
Start with your biomarker
Send us your targets, matrix and cohort size. We will confirm SR-X compatibility and expected performance for your specific assays within one working day.
If Simoa is not the right platform for your study, we will say so, and tell you what is.
Start with your biomarker
Send us your targets, matrix and cohort size. We will confirm SR-X compatibility and expected performance for your specific assays within one working day.
If Simoa is not the right platform for your study, we will say so, and tell you what is.
From analogue signal to single-molecule counting
1. Capture the biomarker
Antibody-antigen complexes form on paramagnetic assay beads, one target molecule per bead at low concentrations.
Oligonucleotide-conjugated antibodies capture the target, release it, and capture it again. Each step strips away unbound antibody and non-specific complexes, so the background that limits conventional immunoassays is removed before the signal is ever read.
2. Isolate individual complexes
Beads are loaded into an array of femtolitre-scale wells, each sized to hold a single bead, and sealed.
Beads are loaded into an array of femtolitre-scale wells, each sized to hold a single bead, and sealed.
3. Count digitally
Each well is read as either containing a target molecule or not. Instead of measuring a blended analogue signal across the whole sample, individual molecules are counted.
The same automated platform supports two routes:
qPCR for fast single-plex and low-plex quantification of established biomarkers
NGS for high-plex discovery across large target sets
Programmes can move from broad discovery to focused validation without changing platform, laboratory or antibody pairs, so the data stays comparable across the life of the study.
4. Resolve ultra-low abundance targets
At low concentrations the proportion of active wells is directly proportional to analyte concentration, and counting wells takes sensitivity into the femtogram-per-millilitre range. Above that range the platform reverts to analogue measurement, so one assay covers both.
At low concentrations the proportion of active wells is directly proportional to analyte concentration, and counting wells takes sensitivity into the femtogram-per-millilitre range. Above that range the platform reverts to analogue measurement, so one assay covers both.
The ARGO HT System automates the NULISA workflow, which keeps turnaround short and precision steady across plates.
Cohorts of thousands, and collections that run for years, depend on that.
1. Sequential capture and release
Oligonucleotide-conjugated antibodies capture the target, release it, and capture it again. Each step strips away unbound antibody and non-specific complexes, so the background that limits conventional immunoassays is removed before the signal is ever read.
2. DNA-linked detection
The immunoassay signal is encoded as a DNA barcode. Nothing is read as colour or light. A countable digital signal scales cleanly to hundreds of targets in one well, without the cross-talk that limits conventional multiplexing.
WHY SIMOA®
Is Simoa the right fit for your study?
We run three complementary ultra-sensitive immunoassay platforms, Simoa, NULISA and MSD, and we will tell you which one your biology needs. Sometimes the answer is not Simoa.
Choose Simoa when
You need ultra-sensitive measurement of a well-characterised biomarker.
Your programme centres on neurology markers such as p-Tau217, NfL, GFAP, BD-Tau or Aβ ratios.
You need absolute concentrations in pg/mL for comparison against published data or regulated work.
Your study needs to align with clinical work already running on Simoa.
Publication and validation track record matters more than multiplex breadth.
You have a proprietary target suited to Homebrew development.
Choose NULISA when
You need broad multiplex profiling, up to approximately 340 targets in a single run, without losing sensitivity on the low-abundance ones. The right choice while you are still establishing which markers matter.
More information about NULISA
Choose MSD when
You need mid-plex quantification of higher-abundance analytes, established assay availability, or a cost profile suited to routine measurement across a large sample set.
More information about MSD
Or use more than one
Hybrid workflows are common: broad NULISA discovery followed by focused Simoa validation on the targets that matter. Both stages run on the same bench, under one chain of custody.
Platform selection is agreed during scoping, before you commit samples.
Choose NULISA when
You need broad multiplex profiling, up to approximately 340 targets in a single run, without losing sensitivity on the low-abundance ones. The right choice while you are still establishing which markers matter.
More information about NULISA
Choose MSD when
You need mid-plex quantification of higher-abundance analytes, established assay availability, or a cost profile suited to routine measurement across a large sample set.
More information about MSD
Or use more than one
Hybrid workflows are common: broad NULISA discovery followed by focused Simoa validation on the targets that matter. Both stages run on the same bench, under one chain of custody.
Platform selection is agreed during scoping, before you commit samples.
WHERE WE WORK
Where Simoa delivers
Neurology and neurodegeneration
The established platform for blood-based biomarker research across Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, ALS, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s disease, with validated assays across the clinically important markers.
Focused validation of discovery findings
Where a discovery study has narrowed hundreds of candidates to a handful, Simoa quantifies those few with absolute concentrations and a literature base behind the method. This is the most common way our clients use the platform.
Precious and low-volume samples
Paediatric cohorts, CSF, biobank aliquots and longitudinal sample sets, where the volume available per timepoint determines what can be measured at all.
Clinical trial biomarker support
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic biomarkers, target engagement, and safety biomarkers. Standardised kits and cross-lot reproducibility are what hold data comparable when a study runs for years.
Cytokine and inflammation research
Ultra-sensitive cytokine quantification for low-grade chronic inflammation, infection biomarkers and immunotherapy response, where the signal sits below conventional assay sensitivity.
Custom assay development
Homebrew extends Simoa sensitivity to proprietary or research-stage biomarkers with no existing commercial assay.
Neurology and neurodegeneration
Profile amyloid, multiple tau species, NfL, GFAP, synaptic proteins and neuroinflammatory mediators from a single CSF or plasma draw.
Used in Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body disease and rare neurological disorders.
Focused validation of discovery findings
PK/PD biomarker work, target engagement, toxicology panels, longitudinal monitoring and early-phase clinical trials.
Absolute quantitation is often required for regulatory or cross-study comparability.
Precious and low-volume samples
Paediatric cohorts, CSF, biobank aliquots and longitudinal sample sets, where the volume available per timepoint determines what can be measured at all.
Clinical trial biomarker support
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic biomarkers, target engagement, and safety biomarkers. Standardised kits and cross-lot reproducibility are what hold data comparable when a study runs for years.
Cytokine and inflammation research
Ultra-sensitive cytokine quantification for low-grade chronic inflammation, infection biomarkers and immunotherapy response, where the signal sits below conventional assay sensitivity.
Custom assay development
Homebrew extends Simoa sensitivity to proprietary or research-stage biomarkers with no existing commercial assay.
HOW IT WORKS
How a Simoa project runs with us
From first conversation to publication-ready data, a typical project moves through six stages. We confirm timings for your study at quote.
THE ALTHEOME DIFFERENCE
Why partner with Altheome on Simoa
Running a Simoa instrument and running it well are different things.
Speed as a design principle
We build assays as well as run them
Senior scientific oversight
Complementary platforms in-house
Matrices beyond the standard set
Quality framework
We were founded because biomarker work was taking months when it should take weeks.
Typical turnaround is two weeks from sample receipt, and we confirm a delivery date at quote, before contracting.
THE ALTHEOME DIFFERENCE
Why partner with Altheome on Simoa
Running a Simoa instrument and running it well are different things.
One connected workflow
Honest about scope
Sequencing alongside proteomics
Senior scientific oversight
Speed
Quality framework
Library preparation and sequencing treated as one workflow rather than two technical steps with a handover in the middle.
THE ALTHEOME DIFFERENCE
Why partner with Altheome on Simoa
Running a Simoa instrument and running it well are different things.
Speed as a design principle
We build assays as well as run them
Senior scientific oversight
Complementary platforms in-house
Matrices beyond the standard set
Quality framework
We were founded because biomarker work was taking months when it should take weeks.
Typical turnaround is two weeks from sample receipt, and we confirm a delivery date at quote, before contracting.
Advice without the agenda
We run Simoa on the SR-X alongside NULISA, MSD and sequencing.
All of them are ours, so the recommendation you get is a scientific one. If your target is better served by NULISA or MSD we will say so, and the work stays with us either way.
Homebrew development means we are not limited to the catalogue.
Where no commercial Simoa assay exists for your target, we can build one.
We run Simoa on the SR-X alongside NULISA, MSD and sequencing.
All of them are ours, so the recommendation you get is a scientific one. If your target is better served by NULISA or MSD we will say so, and the work stays with us either way.
Homebrew development means we are not limited to the catalogue.
Where no commercial Simoa assay exists for your target, we can build one.
THE ALTHEOME DIFFERENCE
Validated workflows with a long clinical track record
Over 3,200 peer-reviewed publications on the Simoa platform
More than 560 biomarkers studied
Standardised kits and locked-down protocols
Stable cross-lot performance
Widely used in clinical trial bioanalysis
HTA licence 12818
GCP-compliant workflows
Aligned to ISO 15189
Tell us about your study
Send us your biomarkers, matrix and cohort size, and a senior scientist will tell you whether Simoa is the right platform.
Running a multi-study programme? You will hear from us within one working day.
Explore a partnership
Tell us about your study
Send us your biomarkers, matrix and cohort size, and a senior scientist will tell you whether Simoa is the right platform.
Running a multi-study programme? You will hear from us within one working day.
Explore a partnership