Linking neurodegenerative illness to dysfunctional mitochondria, startup is creating small-molecule remedies and diagnostic biomarkers.
Longevity biotech Lucy Therapeutics has raised an extra $12.5 million in funding to advance the event of therapies for neurodegenerative ailments that concentrate on mitochondrial dysfunction. Primarily based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the corporate’s strategy integrates mitochondrial, environmental and genetic elements to establish distinctive drug targets and develop small-molecule remedies and diagnostic biomarkers.
Broadly referred to as the ‘energy mills’ inside our cells, mitochondria additionally dictate lots of a cell’s key features, and their dysfunction has been linked to a spread of age-related ailments. LucyTx was based on the speculation that ailments with rate-limiting steps involving mitochondrial dysfunction can doubtlessly be handled by modulating key mitochondrial protein targets.
The corporate is advancing drug discovery packages towards Alzheimer’s illness, Parkinson’s illness and Rett syndrome, a uncommon situation affecting 1 in 10,000 females. Having recognized lead compounds, outlined goal engagements and pinpointed illness biomarkers for Parkinson’s and Rett syndrome, LucyTx plans to file Investigational New Drug (IND) functions for each by early subsequent 12 months.
Founder and CEO Dr Amy Ripka mentioned that significant progress towards complicated ailments requires embracing “non-traditional strategies.”
“LucyTx is doing simply that, figuring out new drug targets based mostly on a deep understanding of the chemical and organic interaction at work in illness, and finally linking neurodegenerative illness to dysfunctional mitochondria,” she added. “This newest funding will advance our work pioneering a brand new class of therapeutics designed to handle mitochondrial dysfunction and supply doubtlessly healing remedies for folks affected by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Rett syndrome.”
The funding spherical was led by Engine Ventures and Safar Companions, with new contributions from Invoice Gates, Parkinson’s UK, and others. The brand new funding features a $2 million non-dilutive grant from the Michael J. Fox Basis, and brings the corporate’s whole funding to over $36 million.
“The LucyTx crew is making a cutting-edge platform to establish drug targets by understanding mitochondria’s influence,” mentioned Dr Mike Poole, Senior Advisor to Gates Ventures (the personal workplace of Invoice Gates). “This platform is already enhancing their drug discovery packages, and I’m excited to assist their Alzheimer’s analysis.”
READ MORE: Do mitochondria hold the key to a Parkinson’s breakthrough?
