NEW YORK, NY; NEW HAVEN, CT; PRINCETON, NJ, and TAIPEI, TAIWAN, Feb. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aptorum Group Limited (NASDAQ:APM) ("Aptorum Group" or "Aptorum"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs, DiamiR Biosciences Corp. ("DiamiR"), a developer of innovative blood-based diagnostic tests for brain health and other diseases, and Instant NanoBiosensors Co., Ltd. ("INB"), a developer of cutting-edge biosensor platforms designed to improve biomedical research and diagnostic processes through simple, reliable, and affordable detection solutions, today announced a collaboration between DiamiR and INB to validate INB's automated APOE testing platform for clinical use in DiamiR's CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited clinical laboratory.

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is the strongest known genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Individuals who carry one or two copies of the APOE ε4 allele have an increased likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease and may experience earlier symptom onset compared to non-carriers. APOE genetic testing is emerging as a crucial tool in the clinical management of Alzheimer's disease, providing valuable insights into patient risk, prognosis, and treatment decision-making when used in appropriate clinical settings.

DiamiR will compare INB's automated G8 Genotyping Analyzer for APOE testing with its New York State approved APOE test. The project will evaluate INB's platform performance and its suitability as a potential clinical solution for Alzheimer's disease testing within DiamiR's CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory.

According to Alidad Mireskandari, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of DiamiR, "We are excited to collaborate with the INB team with the goal to introduce an automated testing solution for Alzheimer's disease risk assessment into clinical practice. We expect that this collaboration will increase our testing capabilities and laboratory throughput."

Tony Chung, Chairman of Instant NanoBiosensors, stated, "We view DiamiR Biosciences as a highly respected reference laboratory. We believe that completing this validation and implementing the service together will strengthen confidence in the INB platform, expand DiamiR's validated service offerings, and establish a strong foundation for future collaboration and additional applications beyond APOE testing."

The financial and other terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About APOE Testing

APOE testing identifies genetic variants associated with risk for Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions. The APOE gene exists in three common variants (ε2, ε3, and ε4), with the APOE ε4 allele being the strongest known genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Individuals carrying one copy of APOE ε4 have approximately 2-4 times higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, while those with two copies have 8-12 times higher risk compared to non-carriers. About 15% to 25% of the population has at least one copy of the APOE ε4 allele, and 2% to 5% of people carry two copies. APOE testing is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic and biomarker assessments to provide a more comprehensive picture of a patient's neurological health, and the FDA encourages APOE ε4 testing before starting treatment with anti-amyloid medications (https://www.alz.org/getmedia/ef8f48f9-ad36-48ea-87f9-b74034635c1e/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf).

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 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.

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 Insant NanoBiosensors

Instant NanoBiosensors Group (INB) is an award-winning global biotechnology innovator developing advanced biosensor platforms and integrated molecular solutions to improve biomedical research and diagnostic workflows through simple, reliable, and cost-effective technologies. By integrating proteomic and genomic innovation, INB aims to redefine how laboratories deploy next-generation research and diagnostic solutions, contributing to a more efficient, scalable, and intelligent healthcare ecosystem.

In Proteomics, INB's patented FOPPR™ (Fiber Optic Particle Plasmon Resonance) technology and FONLISA™ platform enable high-precision PTM-specific antibody characterization and selection and support therapeutic antibody and biologic drug development. FONLISA™ also offers an ultra-sensitive, benchtop solution for blood-based biomarker detection, including NfL and p-Tau217 for Alzheimer's disease, using a small blood volume and delivering results within 30 minutes.

In Genomics, INB provides scalable, automated solutions through the INVISION INLab NGS Solution and the DimerOFF™ multiplex panel, integrating hardware, reagents, and software to streamline NGS workflows for research and clinical laboratories. These solutions support applications such as AML mutation profiling, breast cancer, and other oncology panels, reducing sample-to-library preparation time from approximately 36 hours to around 6 hours.

For more information, please visit the company's website at www.instantnano.com

and connect with Instant NanoBiosensors / INVISION on LinkedIn.

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 October 6, 2025. 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

Instant NanoBiosensors Group

Tony Chung

INB@instantnano.com