Aptorum Group and DiamiR Biosciences Announce Publication of microRNA Glioblastoma Biomarker Study in Diagnostics in Collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania
Rhea-AI Summary
Aptorum Group (NASDAQ: APM) and DiamiR Biosciences announced publication of a study titled "Development of microRNA-Based Glioblastoma Biomarkers Using Blood Plasma Specimens" in Diagnostics on March 10, 2026. The peer-reviewed study, conducted with the University of Pennsylvania, shows feasibility of detecting glioblastoma via a minimally invasive blood plasma microRNA test, identifying specific microRNA signatures with potential diagnostic and monitoring utility versus invasive biopsies or costly imaging.
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News Market Reaction – APM
On the day this news was published, APM declined 0.93%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +5.1% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 2 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $66K from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $7M at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Biotech peers show mixed moves: BRTX appeared in momentum scanners up 36.29% while PHGE was down 2.43%. LPTX shows a large gain of 238.84%, but APM’s own pre-news change is 0%, pointing to stock-specific rather than coordinated sector momentum.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02 | Collaboration update | Positive | -10.2% | Collaboration to validate INB’s APOE genotyping platform in DiamiR’s lab. |
| Nov 19 | Conference abstracts | Positive | +3.9% | Two Alzheimer’s biomarker abstracts accepted for CTAD 2025 presentations. |
| Oct 10 | Equity offering | Negative | -30.0% | Up to $6M registered direct offering with concurrent private placement warrants. |
| Oct 09 | Merger governance | Neutral | -1.7% | Board and management changes linked to planned all-stock DiamiR merger. |
News tied to collaborations and scientific visibility has shown mixed reactions, while financing-related headlines have coincided with sharp downside moves.
Over the past several months, Aptorum has focused on its relationship with DiamiR and on financing the planned merger. A October 2025 registered direct offering and warrants was followed by a -29.96% move, highlighting sensitivity to dilution. Collaboration and conference biomarker news in November 2025 and February 2026 produced a modest gain of 3.85% and a decline of -10.22%, respectively. The current glioblastoma biomarker publication extends this biomarker and diagnostics narrative within the DiamiR collaboration framework.
Regulatory & Risk Context
An effective mixed shelf on Form F-3 filed on 2026-01-16 allows Aptorum to offer up to $75,000,000 of various securities over time, replacing a prior shelf and providing flexibility to raise capital that could be dilutive if utilized.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights peer-reviewed validation of microRNA-based blood biomarkers for glioblastoma, a cancer with median survival under 15 months. It reinforces Aptorum’s collaboration with DiamiR and focus on noninvasive brain health diagnostics ahead of the planned merger. Investors may track how this platform progresses into larger clinical studies and potentially into regulated tests, while also monitoring the company’s use of its $75,000,000 shelf registration and any additional financings as key factors for future dilution and strategic flexibility.
Key Terms
microrna medical
glioblastoma medical
biomarkers medical
neuro-oncology medical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
NEW YORK, NY; NEW HAVEN, CT; and PRINCETON, NJ, March 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aptorum Group Limited (NASDAQ: APM) ("Aptorum Group” or “Aptorum”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs, and DiamiR Biosciences Corp. (“DiamiR”), a developer of innovative blood-based diagnostic tests for brain health and other diseases, today announced the publication of a paper by Giliberto, et. al. titled "Development of microRNA-Based Glioblastoma Biomarkers Using Blood Plasma Specimens” in Diagnostics, (https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16050791), a leading peer-reviewed journal focused on clinical diagnostics and biomarker research.
This study, conducted in collaboration with clinical researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, demonstrates the feasibility of detecting glioblastoma (GBM) — the most aggressive and lethal form of brain cancer — through a minimally invasive blood plasma test. The research identifies specific microRNA signatures in blood plasma that show significant promise as non-invasive biomarkers for glioblastoma diagnosis and monitoring.
GBM 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. DiamiR’s microRNA platform represents a potential paradigm shift, one that we believe will enable earlier detection and improve patient monitoring through a simple blood draw.
According to Alidad Mireskandari, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of DiamiR, “We are proud to announce the publication of our latest peer-reviewed data demonstrating the clinical potential of microRNA biomarkers in the detection of glioblastoma. 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. I’m grateful to our team and collaborators at The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine for their thoughtful work behind this publication. Glioblastoma remains an incredibly challenging disease, and I hope this work adds constructively to the broader effort to better understand and treat this cancer.”
Mireskandari added that “Importantly, this work is not a standalone milestone — it advances our broader pipeline strategy, which is focused on translating microRNA biology into clinically actionable solutions across high-unmet-need indications. 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.”
Stephen Bagley, MD, Section Chief, Neuro-Oncology, Hematology-Oncology, and Associate Professor of Medicine (Hematology-Oncology) at the University of Pennsylvania and the senior author on the paper, said “These results are exciting and set the stage for larger clinical studies, which we hope will prove the clinical utility of plasma microRNA signatures for diagnosis and monitoring of brain tumors. Our patients desperately need noninvasive tests to help inform their care, and this study is a positive step in that direction.”
About Aptorum Group
Aptorum Group Limited (Nasdaq: APM) 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 (including orphan oncology indications) and infectious diseases. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.aptorumgroup.com.
About DiamiR
DiamiR Biosciences is a private molecular diagnostics company focused on developing and commercializing minimally invasive tests offered 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. DiamiR’s proprietary platform technology, protected by over 50 issued patents worldwide, is based on quantitative analysis of organ-enriched, including brain-enriched and inflammation-associated, microRNA signatures in plasma for screening, patient stratification, as well as disease progression and treatment monitoring. In addition, DiamiR offers protein and genetic biomarker analyses. DiamiR collaborates with leading academic centers, disease foundations, and biopharma companies. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.diamirbio.com and connect with DiamiR on LinkedIn.
Merger between Aptorum Group and DiamiR Biosciences
As was previously announced on July 16, 2025, Aptorum Group and DiamiR entered into a definitive agreement for an all-stock merger transaction. As a result of this transaction, which remains subject to stockholder approval of both companies and other customary closing conditions, DiamiR will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aptorum Group upon consummation of the merger. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of fiscal 2026.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “target,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “propose,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar variations and expressions. Forward-looking statements are those that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Examples of forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding the consummation and closing of the proposed merger, the satisfactory completion of all conditions to the merger, the shareholder’s approval necessary for the issuance of shares in the merger and re-domestication of Aptorum, Aptorum’s and DiamiR’s ability to successfully operate its business and provide value to stockholders after completion of the merger, Aptorum’s and DiamiR’s future financial, business and operating performance and goals; annualized recurring revenue and customer retention; ongoing, future or ability to maintain or improve its financial position, cash flows, and liquidity and its expected financial needs; potential financing and ability to obtain financing; acquisition strategy and proposed acquisitions and, if completed, their potential success and financial contributions; strategy and strategic goals, including being able to capitalize on opportunities; expectations relating to Aptorum’s and DiamiR’s industry, outlook and market trends; total addressable market and serviceable addressable market and related projections; plans, strategies and expectations for increasing revenue and executing growth initiatives. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and development of the industries in which Aptorum and DiamiR operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, investors should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the markets in which Aptorum and DiamiR operate, the financial markets, economic, business and regulatory and other factors, such as Aptorum’s and DiamiR’s ability to execute on their strategies. More detailed information about risk factors can be found in the Aptorum’s Annual Report on Form 20-F under the heading “Risk Factors,” and in other reports filed by the Aptorum, including reports on Form 6-K and the registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on October 6, 2025. Aptorum and DiamiR do not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, or a solicitation of any proxy, consent, authorization, vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made, except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Additional Information About the Proposed Merger and Where to Find It
In connection with the merger, Aptorum filed a current report on Form 6-K to disclose additional details about the merger and a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, and will mail notices of shareholders’ meetings and other relevant documents to its shareholders. Investors and security holders of Aptorum are advised to read the Form S-4, and amendments thereto, the notice to shareholders, and amendments thereto, in connection with Aptorum’s solicitation of proxies for its shareholder' meeting to be held to approve the proposed merger because the notice to shareholders will contain important information about the transaction and the parties to the transaction, and stockholders are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and the other relevant materials when they become available before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the merger and related proposals. The notices to shareholders will be mailed to Aptorum’s shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the transactions. Shareholders will also be able to obtain copies of the notice, without charge, once available, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: Ian Huen, telephone: +44 20 80929299.
This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. A copy of Aptorum's registration statement on Form S-4 can be viewed on the SEC's website.
Participants in the Solicitation
Aptorum Group, DiamiR and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in connection with the merger. Information about Aptorum's directors and executive officers including a description of their interests in Aptorum is included in Aptorum’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F, including any information incorporated therein by reference, as filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding these persons and their interests in the transaction are included in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the merger that was filed with the SEC in a registration statement on Form S-4 on January 21, 2026. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.
For more information, please contact:
Aptorum Group Limited
Investor Relations Department
investor.relations@aptorumgroup.com
+44 20 80929299
DiamiR Biosciences
Alidad Mireskandari, PhD
203-570-8275
amireskandari@diamirbio.com
FAQ
What did Aptorum Group (APM) announce on March 10, 2026 about glioblastoma biomarkers?
How could the DiamiR microRNA blood test affect current glioblastoma diagnostics for APM shareholders?
What collaborators were involved in the APM/DiamiR glioblastoma biomarker study published in Diagnostics?
Does the Diagnostics publication report clinical readiness of DiamiR's microRNA test for GBM patients?
What are the next steps after Aptorum Group (APM) and DiamiR published their glioblastoma biomarker study?
