Rejuvenation Technologies is a biotechnology company dedicated to combating aging and age-related diseases by rejuvenating cells through the extension of telomeres.
Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes that shorten as cells divide, leading to aging and cellular dysfunction. Rejuvenation Technologies’ primary strategy involves delivering telomerase mRNA (messenger RNA) to cells, enabling the production of telomerase, an enzyme that lengthens telomeres. This process aims to restore cellular function and delay the onset of age-related conditions.
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The Solution
The company’s core technology involves encapsulating synthetic telomerase mRNA within lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). These LNPs are engineered to deliver the mRNA directly to progenitor cells in specific tissues, such as the lungs and liver, through intravenous injection.
Once inside the target cells, the mRNA instructs the cellular machinery to produce telomerase transiently, leading to the extension of telomeres without permanently altering the cell’s genetic material. This transient expression minimizes potential risks associated with prolonged telomerase activity, such as uncontrolled cell proliferation.
Pipeline Focus Areas
Rejuvenation Technologies is advancing its therapeutic platform across several key areas:
- Pulmonary Fibrosis:
In this condition, lung tissue becomes scarred, leading to severe breathing difficulties. By delivering telomerase mRNA to lung cells, the company aims to rejuvenate these cells, potentially reversing or halting the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Preclinical studies have shown promising results, and the company has received FDA feedback at an INTERACT meeting, indicating progress toward clinical trials. - Liver Cirrhosis:
Characterized by scarring of the liver, cirrhosis impairs liver function and can lead to liver failure. The therapeutic approach involves targeting liver progenitor cells with telomerase mRNA to restore their regenerative capacity, thereby improving liver function and health. Preclinical models have demonstrated efficacy in reducing liver fibrosis and enhancing liver regeneration. - Hematopoietic Stem Cell Rejuvenation:
Aging affects the blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow, leading to decreased immune function and blood cell production. By extending the telomeres of these stem cells, the company aims to rejuvenate the hematopoietic system, potentially improving immune responses and reducing the incidence of age-related blood disorders.
You can view their official pipeline in the below image from their website:
Preclinical Progress and Future Directions
Rejuvenation Technologies has reported that a single dose of their telomerase mRNA can reverse years of telomere shortening within hours. Their proprietary LNP technology has demonstrated the capability to deliver mRNA effectively to the lungs and liver, with significant efficacy observed in preclinical models of both liver fibrosis and liver failure.
The company is actively preparing for clinical trials, with plans to initiate human studies in the near future. Their approach holds promise not only for treating specific age-related diseases but also for broader applications in regenerative medicine, including cell therapies, tissue engineering, and immunotherapies.
The Company
Rejuvenation Technologies is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and was founded in 2018 by John Ramunas and Glenn Markov. They both completed their Ph.D.s at Stanford University under the mentorship of Professor Helen Blau, a co-founder of Rejuvenation Technologies. Their research focused on telomere extension and epigenetic reprogramming, laying the groundwork for the company’s innovative approach to addressing aging at the cellular level.
In terms of funding the company has successfully secured a total of $15.2 million in funding through multiple rounds. From their seed financing round in September of 2023 they raised $10.6 million in a round led by Khosla Ventures, with participation from Shanda Ventures, Asymmetry Ventures, Merchant Adventures, Longevity Tech Fund, and Y Combinator. They also raised $4.6 million in grant funding as well.
While specific partnerships have not been publicly detailed, Rejuvenation Technologies has expressed openness to research collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners to further their mission of extending human healthspan.
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