Circular Genomics has introduced MindLight, a test designed to predict the response of patients with depression to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant treatment.

This new SSRI antidepressant response test is the first to utilise circular RNA biomarkers, aiming to enhance precision psychiatry and set new standards in mental health care.

The MindLight test offers significant benefits for medication management in depression treatment. Current data indicates that only 41% of patients respond to SSRIs, leaving the majority to seek alternative therapies.

Its ability to identify patients' likelihood of responding to SSRIs could streamline the treatment process.

The test demonstrated a prognostic accuracy of 77%, a considerable improvement over the standard first-line therapy response rates of 40%-50% in clinical trials involving SSRIs.

According to the data, patients classified as having a "High Likelihood of Response" by the test are 3.4 times more likely to respond to SSRIs than those deemed to have a "Low Likelihood of Response".

Circular Genomics CEO Paul Sargeant said: “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.

“The MindLight antidepressant response test can help doctors determine if SSRI medication will be beneficial, and patients can start a personalised and effective treatment plan in as little as one week.”

MindLight is accessible to patients through their physicians or licensed healthcare providers. After a blood sample is collected and sent to a laboratory, the analysis is completed within three to five days.

The results are then provided to the ordering physician in a format that is both easy to understand and clinically actionable.