Depression has been on the rise in the United States, with the number of Americans experiencing acute and prolonged depression increasing from 21.6% in 2019 to nearly 30% in 2023, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While various factors can contribute to depression, the most common treatment involves medications known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which include well-known names like citalopram, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.

Typically, a depression diagnosis follows a process where you discuss your symptoms with your doctor, receive a diagnosis, and then are prescribed an antidepressant. However, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year to determine if the medication is effective, according to Circular Genomics CEO Paul Sargeant.

“There has been significant stigma around depression, but that’s starting to lift. We need better approaches, better diagnostic tools, and better prognostic tools,” Sargeant stated.

This is the mission of Circular Genomics, a company founded in 2021 by University of New Mexico alumnus Dr. Nicholas Melius. The company has identified a molecule called "Circular RNA," which is highly expressed in brain tissue, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and can be detected in the blood. This allows for insights into brain activity through a simple blood test.

Because Circular RNA is detectable in the blood, Circular Genomics is developing a test to significantly reduce the wait time to determine whether an antidepressant is effective.

In September, the company plans to conduct a laboratory-developed test called "The Mind Light Antidepressant Response Test." Success in this test could expedite bringing their product to market, potentially benefiting millions of Americans with mental illness. “I’ve personally lost friends to depression, and that’s a major motivation for me to help bring this test to market. Our goal is to bring precision medicine to mental health and neurology, ensuring the right drug is given to the right patient at the right time,” Sargeant said.

If the trials are successful this fall, Circular Genomics aims to roll out the test to the market by 2025.

Reference: https://www.circulargenomics.com/post/how-circular-genomics-is-using-genetics-to-stop-depression-meds-being-a-guessing-game