San Diego – November 04, 2026 -- Circular Genomics and PharmatrophiX have launched a biomarker collaboration that applies blood-based circular RNA (circRNA) profiling to LM11A-31, PharmatrophiX's first-in-class Alzheimer's candidate, with possible extension across the company's neurodegeneration pipeline.
Planned open-label study is the first test of the circRNA platform
The initial workstream centers on PharmatrophiX's planned open-label Alzheimer's biomarker study of LM11A-31, a small molecule targeting the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). Circular Genomics will use its research-use-only CircPath platform to characterize baseline molecular heterogeneity and track pathway-level changes during treatment.
The companies plan to combine circRNA findings with clinical, cognitive, imaging, proteomics and established Alzheimer's biomarker data. The goal is to define pharmacodynamic response and responder biology and to shape biomarker strategy for later-stage trials.
Partners eye HIV-associated dementia, PSP and other neurotrophin programs
The parties intend to evaluate expanding the work into future Alzheimer's studies, an HIV-associated dementia program, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and additional neurotrophin-receptor programs, as mutually agreed. They also plan to explore joint grant and non-dilutive funding to support translational biomarker research and cross-program development. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Executives frame blood testing as a tool for treatment-response insight
PharmatrophiX CEO David Setboun said the collaboration will let the company explore how "a simple blood test" could show how patients respond to treatment. He added that the findings may inform future LM11A-31 trials and support other therapies in the pipeline.
Circular Genomics CEO Paul Sargeant said the collaboration lets the company demonstrate pathway-level insight into pharmacodynamic response and patient heterogeneity in a differentiated therapeutic program.