Centenara Labs is a biotechnology company focused on developing and investing in therapies targeting geriatric diseases. Their objective is to extend the healthspan of individuals, promoting overall health and well-being as the population ages.
Their mission statement is as follows:
“We aim to make hope a reality by delivering innovation that will help people to live healthier, longer lives. Our goal is to expand the health span of human beings, enabling all of us to enjoy a higher quality of life in old age, and reducing the burden of age-related diseases.”
Centenara Labs has a total of 6 portfolio companies to help advance the field and achieve their mission.
Feel welcome to share your own thoughts on this company in the comment section below as well. I will be happy to discuss and learn more about how you see their potential in this field.
The Solution
Centenara Labs is actively developing a diverse pipeline of therapeutic solutions targeting various aspects of aging and age-related diseases.
The development pipeline is illustrated by the following image from their official website highlighting the progress of their portfolio companies:
Let’s take a closer look at their current programs:
Vision Restoration
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP):
This inherited retinal disease leads to progressive vision loss, often resulting in legal blindness by age 40. Centenara’s approach involves a small molecule treatment, EA-2353, designed to activate dormant retinal stem and progenitor cells to preserve or restore visual function. A Phase 1/2a clinical trial has been completed, demonstrating that EA-2353 is safe and well-tolerated, with positive trends in visual function and retinal sensitivity observed. The U.S. FDA has granted this treatment orphan drug designation.
Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (Dry-AMD):
Dry-AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among individuals over 50. Centenara has achieved Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance for a treatment targeting this condition, with a Phase 1 clinical study planned to commence in 2025.
Senescent Cell Elimination for Cancer Therapy
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC):
Centenara is developing a proprietary antibody aimed at eliminating senescent cells that contribute to cancer recurrence and resistance to therapy. This approach targets cancer escape mechanisms following standard treatments in TNBC patients. The program is currently in IND-enabling studies, with clinical development anticipated to begin in 2025.
Anti-Fibrotic Therapies
Fibrosis Treatment:
Fibrosis involves the thickening and scarring of connective tissue, often resulting from injury or long-term inflammation. Centenara’s research has demonstrated strong anti-fibrotic effects in models of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), supported by a novel mechanism of action. Their early-stage discovery platform has identified five first-in-class therapeutic targets for further development.
Telomere Restoration
Telomere Program:
Telomeres protect chromosome ends, and their shortening is associated with aging and disease. Centenara Labs aims to repair shortened telomeres, offering potential breakthroughs in treating age-related diseases and certain rare genetic disorders.
Sarcopenia Treatment
RJx-01:
Sarcopenia is characterized by the loss of muscle mass and function with age. Centenara is developing a unique drug combination, RJx-01, targeting multiple age-related pathways. The lead clinical program has shown therapeutic potential in treating muscle weakness induced by sarcopenia.
Vascular and Cognitive Health
Cognitive Decline:
Focusing on brain vasculature, Centenara Labs is developing pro-cognitive therapies to combat age-related decline in central nervous system function. This program aims to improve cognitive health by targeting the vascular components that support brain function.
The Company
Centenara Labs AG, formerly known as Rejuveron Life Sciences AG, is a biotechnology company headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. The company was co-founded in 2019 by Matthias Steger and Christian Angermayer.
In September 2023, Centenara Labs secured a $75 million dual tranche Series B equity and convertible loan financing. The funding round was co-led by Catalio Capital Management and Apeiron Investment Group, with participation from Mubadala Capital and other institutional investors and family offices.
Centenara Labs has established a diversified portfolio of subsidiary companies, each focusing on specific aspects of aging and age-related diseases. These portfolio companies are at various stages of development, from discovery to clinical trials.
Let’s take a closer look at Centenara’s portfolio companies:
Clinical Stage Companies
Endogena Therapeutics:
Focused on developing treatments for vision loss, Endogena is advancing therapies for conditions such as Retinitis Pigmentosa and Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Their approach involves activating endogenous stem cells to preserve or restore visual function.
Rejuvenate Biomed:
This company is working on therapies targeting muscle weakness associated with aging, particularly sarcopenia. Their lead clinical program involves a unique drug combination aimed at improving muscle function in the elderly.
Pre-Clinical Stage Companies
RejuverSen:
Dedicated to developing treatments that eliminate senescent cells, RejuverSen is focusing on therapies for conditions like Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Their proprietary antibody aims to address cancer escape mechanisms post-standard care.
Centenara Labs Telomere Program:
This initiative aims to repair shortened telomeres, which are associated with aging and various diseases. The program is exploring potential breakthroughs in telomere restoration to promote healthy aging.
Discovery Stage Companies
Centenara Labs Vascular Program:
Focusing on brain vasculature, this program aims to develop pro-cognitive therapies to combat age-related decline in central nervous system function. The goal is to improve cognitive health by targeting the vascular components that support brain function.
Boost Neuroscience:
In collaboration with Nobel Prize winner Dr. Thomas Südhof, Boost Neuroscience is focused on brain synapse regeneration. This partnership aims to develop therapies that address neurodegenerative diseases by restoring synaptic function.
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