San Diego – September 22, 2026 -- Circular Genomics and Altoida have entered a collaboration pairing blood-based circular RNA (circRNA) biomarkers with AI-powered digital cognitive testing to accelerate Alzheimer's drug development and build a scalable frontline diagnostic pathway.
Companies design a two-step diagnostic workflow combining digital and molecular data
The alliance links Circular Genomics' CircPathTM circRNA biomarker platform with Altoida's Digital NeuroMarkerTM platform. The proposed workflow starts with a 10-minute, self-administered digital cognitive assessment, followed by a confirmatory circRNA blood test to validate underlying disease biology. The companies say this sequence could reduce dependence on hours-long, specialist-administered neuropsychological batteries and extend Alzheimer's screening into primary care settings.
First real-world pilots are set to launch later this year
Circular Genomics and Altoida plan to run real-world evidence studies testing the combined workflow in both clinical research and frontline care environments, with initial pilots expected before year-end. The goal is to generate data supporting earlier identification, patient stratification and longitudinal monitoring in Alzheimer's disease, as the therapeutic landscape shifts toward disease-targeting treatments that work best when administered early.
Peer-reviewed research underpins both platforms ahead of regulatory steps
The collaboration follows a Nature Medicine study showing Circular Genomics' blood-based circRNA signature can predict progression to symptomatic Alzheimer's years before clinical onset, complementing established amyloid and tau biomarkers. Altoida's platform has separately been validated in a study published in Alzheimer's and Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, demonstrating accurate detection of mild cognitive impairment via brief digital assessment. Altoida is preparing a pivotal study intended to support FDA clearance of its Digital NeuroMarker Platform; the platform is currently for investigational use only and has not received FDA clearance.
Executives frame the partnership as a shift from single-biomarker diagnostics
"The future of Alzheimer's detection and precision neurology will not be built around a single biomarker; but on combining complementary biological signals with cognitive function assessment,