Circular Genomics Partners with Lilly Gateway Labs to Enhance Alzheimer's Diagnosis Using Circular RNA Technologies

Circular Genomics Partners with Lilly Gateway Labs

In a significant move aimed at bolstering the fight against Alzheimer's disease (AD), Circular Genomics, a prominent player in the field of circular RNA (circRNA) biomarkers, has chosen to relocate its headquarters to Lilly Gateway Labs in San Diego, California. This strategic collaboration is poised to unlock new diagnostic and prognostic capabilities for AD through the innovative use of circRNA technologies.

As announced on March 17, 2025, Circular Genomics aims to leverage its state-of-the-art circRNA platform alongside the expertise offered by Lilly Gateway Labs, which is operated in collaboration with Alexandria Real Estate Equities. The Gateway Labs site is recognized as a premier innovation hub that fosters scientific collaboration among emerging biotech companies and established pharmaceutical giants like Eli Lilly.

Enhancing Alzheimer's Disease Outcomes

Paul Sargeant, the Chief Executive Officer of Circular Genomics, highlighted the pivotal nature of this partnership: "Joining Lilly Gateway Labs is a critical turning point for Circular Genomics. We are confident that our association with Lilly's extensive neuroscience knowledge, coupled with the resources and scientific community at Gateway Labs, will propel our work in developing revolutionary diagnostic blood tests for Alzheimer's disease."

Recently, Circular Genomics launched MindLight™, a groundbreaking blood test that employs circRNA biomarkers to predict patient responses to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for major depressive disorder (MDD). This innovative tool is part of their broader objective to enhance personalized medicine in neurology, and is already showing promise in accurately identifying individuals at risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease.

Future of Neurological Diagnostics

The pipeline of Circular Genomics is filled with potential diagnostic and prognostic circRNA assays, many of which are already demonstrating remarkable accuracy in identifying patients susceptible to AD. The partnership with Lilly Gateway Labs will further accelerate these initiatives, bringing forth new possibilities in real-time patient management and therapeutic efficacy assessments.

Nikolaos Mellios, Chief Scientific Officer of Circular Genomics, elaborated on the implications of their circRNA technology: "Our platform is revolutionizing the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders. With the MindLight test already clinically validated for MDD, our next phase will see its application expand to Alzheimer's disease. We are on a mission to integrate precision medicine into standard care protocols, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes."

Collaboration with Industry Leaders

The Lilly Gateway Labs network was first established in 2019 to catalyze the discovery of cutting-edge therapies and medical technologies by fostering collaboration with biotechnological innovators. The San Diego site represents one of several locations aimed at meeting the needs of the life sciences sector across the U.S. and beyond, ensuring that organizations like Circular Genomics are well-positioned to succeed in their endeavors.

As Circular Genomics engages with the wealth of resources available at Gateway Labs—including access to leading scientists, advanced laboratory facilities, and customized support—the company anticipates significant advancements in the development of highly specialized diagnostic blood tests for Alzheimer's disease. This endeavor could not only streamline the diagnostic process but also positively influence patient care methodologies as the medical community moves towards precision medicine.

More About MindLight and Circular Genomics

MindLight allows physicians to order tests that analyze blood samples to deliver actionable insights regarding a patient’s potential response to treatment—key information that is typically available within a turnaround of 3 to 5 days. Such rapid feedback loop ensures that healthcare providers can tailor treatment options effectively, adapting strategies to meet the unique medical needs of patients.

As the industry looks forward, Circular Genomics continues to stand at the forefront of precision medicine, reshaping how psychiatric and neurological disorders are diagnosed and treated through their pioneering circular RNA technologies. To learn more about their research and offerings, visit Circular Genomics and find out more about the MindLight test at MindLight.