Aptorum Group and DiamiR Biosciences Publish Breakthrough Study on Blood-Based Glioblastoma Detection Using microRNA Biomarkers
Key Insights
Aptorum Group and DiamiR Biosciences published a peer-reviewed study in Diagnostics demonstrating the feasibility of detecting glioblastoma (search) through minimally invasive blood plasma tests using specific microRNA (search) signatures.
The research, conducted with the University of Pennsylvania, addresses a critical need for non-invasive diagnostic alternatives to current invasive surgical biopsies and costly imaging procedures for the deadliest form of brain cancer (search).
Glioblastoma (search) patients face a median survival of fewer than 15 months, making early detection and monitoring through simple blood draws a potentially transformative advancement.
Aptorum Group Limited (search) and DiamiR Biosciences Corp (search). announced the publication of groundbreaking research demonstrating the potential for blood-based detection of glioblastoma (search), the most aggressive and lethal form of brain cancer (search). The study, published in Diagnostics, a leading peer-reviewed journal focused on clinical diagnostics and biomarker research, represents a significant advancement toward non-invasive diagnosis of this devastating disease.
Revolutionary Approach to Brain Cancer Detection
The research, titled "Development of microRNA (search)-Based Glioblastoma (search) Biomarkers Using Blood Plasma Specimens" by Giliberto et al., was conducted in collaboration with clinical researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine (search) at the University of Pennsylvania. The study identifies specific microRNA signatures in blood plasma that show significant promise as non-invasive biomarkers for glioblastoma diagnosis and monitoring.
Glioblastoma (search) is among the deadliest of all human cancers, with a median survival of fewer than 15 months following diagnosis. Current diagnostic approaches rely on invasive surgical biopsies or costly imaging procedures, creating an urgent need for more accessible diagnostic methods.
"We are proud to announce the publication of our latest peer-reviewed data demonstrating the clinical potential of microRNA (search) biomarkers in the detection of glioblastoma (search)," said Alidad Mireskandari, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of DiamiR. "This work builds on a growing body of evidence supporting the role of microRNAs in Brain Health and represents an important validation of our platform."
Clinical Significance and Future Implications
Stephen Bagley, MD, Section Chief, Neuro-Oncology, Hematology-Oncology, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and senior author on the paper, emphasized the clinical importance of the findings. "These results are exciting and set the stage for larger clinical studies, which we hope will prove the clinical utility of plasma microRNA (search) signatures for diagnosis and monitoring of brain tumors," Bagley said. "Our patients desperately need noninvasive tests to help inform their care, and this study is a positive step in that direction."
The research validates DiamiR's microRNA (search) platform, which represents what the companies describe as a potential paradigm shift that could enable earlier detection and improve patient monitoring through a simple blood draw. DiamiR's proprietary platform technology is protected by over 50 issued patents worldwide and is based on quantitative analysis of organ-enriched, including brain-enriched and inflammation-associated, microRNA signatures in plasma.
Broader Pipeline Strategy
Mireskandari noted that the publication advances the companies' broader strategic objectives. "Importantly, this work is not a standalone milestone — it advances our broader pipeline strategy, which is focused on translating microRNA (search) biology into clinically actionable solutions across high-unmet-need indications," he said. "We believe this technology has the potential to transform how devastating diseases like GBM are detected and monitored, and this publication marks a meaningful step forward in bringing that vision to patients and clinicians."
Corporate Development
The research publication comes as Aptorum Group and DiamiR are proceeding with a planned merger. The companies entered into a definitive agreement for an all-stock merger transaction on July 16, 2025, with DiamiR set to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aptorum Group upon consummation. The transaction remains subject to stockholder approval of both companies and other customary closing conditions, with completion expected in the first half of fiscal 2026.
DiamiR Biosciences operates as a private molecular diagnostics company focused on developing and commercializing minimally invasive tests through its CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory for early detection and monitoring of brain health conditions and other diseases in clinical trials and clinical practice settings. The company collaborates with leading academic centers, disease foundations, and biopharma companies.
Aptorum Group Limited (search) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutic assets to treat diseases with unmet medical needs, particularly in oncology and infectious diseases.