#United States #San Diego #Alzheimer's Disease #Circular Genomics #circRNA Biomarkers

Circular Genomics Secures Funding for Alzheimer's Research

In a significant development for Alzheimer's disease research, Circular Genomics, Inc. has announced a $250,000 investment from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF). This funding will be used to further the company's groundbreaking work on circular RNA (circRNA) biomarkers aimed at developing blood-based tests for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Founded as a leader in precision neurology and psychiatry, Circular Genomics is pioneering the use of circRNA biomarkers to provide personalized diagnosis and treatment for brain disorders, including Alzheimer's. The investment, made under ADDF's Diagnostics Accelerator (DxA) program, will support in-depth analyses of circRNA blood markers. Working in collaboration with Dr. Carlos Cruchaga from the NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center at Washington University in St. Louis, Circular Genomics aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy for Alzheimer's by distinguishing it from other dementias.

Dr. Nikolaos Mellios, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Circular Genomics, expressed gratitude for the ADDF investment. He emphasized the urgency of reliable diagnostics in the context of Alzheimer's, as its complex nature often leads to misdiagnosis or delayed detection—a reality that prolongs suffering for patients and their families. With circRNA offering several advantages over traditional protein-based biomarkers, the aim is to proactively transform the diagnostic journey, leading to earlier detection and personalized clinical strategies.

Dr. Cruchaga, a recognized expert in neurogenomics, commented on the potential of circRNA biomarkers, noting their significant role in brain health. By analyzing blood-derived circRNA, the research hopes to deliver best-in-class tools that can accurately predict the progression of Alzheimer's disease. This innovative approach aligns with ADDF's mission to accelerate research for effective diagnostics and treatments in this pressing area of healthcare.

CircRNAs have been shown to be integral in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, with their abnormal expression illuminating important pathways in brain health. Because these molecules can be measured in blood, they present a non-invasive option for monitoring overall brain function. The ongoing research funded by ADDF will focus on characterizing these biomarkers further, with the hope of clarifying their role in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.

Howard Fillit, MD, co-founder of ADDF, stated, "Circular Genomics' work exemplifies the innovative science needed to change how Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed. By investing in accessible biomarker technologies like this, we can move towards precision medicine, ensuring that patients receive tailored treatments efficiently."

The DxA initiative, worth $100 million globally, is dedicated to hastening the development of diagnostic tools for Alzheimer's and related dementia conditions. Circular Genomics is poised to play a significant role in transforming this landscape by providing innovative solutions that can yield reliable, timely diagnoses—a critical aspect of restoring the hope for patients and their families affected by Alzheimer's disease.

In conclusion, the funding received from ADDF marks another step in Circular Genomics' mission to set new standards in neurological care. As research progresses, there is anticipation that these biomarkers will ultimately facilitate enhanced accuracy in Alzheimer's detection and pave the way for tailored therapeutic strategies. This endeavor not only reflects the commitment to advancing medical science but also demonstrates a thorough understanding of the complexities involved in diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases, striving to alleviate the challenges faced by countless individuals and their loved ones.