Albuquerque, N.M., September 16, 2024 – Circular Genomics, the global leader in circular RNA biomarkers for precision psychiatry and neurology, today announced the launch of MindLight, the first circular RNA biomarker-based assay designed to predict whether a patient with depression, also known as major depressive disorder, will respond to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant treatment. The new SSRI response test can help physicians streamline medication management of patients diagnosed with depression, and has the potential to revolutionize precision psychiatry treatment while setting a new standard in mental health care. 

“The current standard of care for depression treatment relies on a process of educated guessing, which can lead to delays in managing the condition effectively. SSRIs are the most widely prescribed antidepressant medications, yet less than half of patients achieve clinical response from those drugs,” said Paul Sargeant, PhD, CEO of Circular Genomics. “We’re aiming to improve this standard of care through a biomarker-based approach to personalized psychiatric treatment. The MindLight antidepressant response test can help doctors determine if SSRI medication will be beneficial, and patients can start a personalized and effective treatment plan in as little as one week.”