Junevity expands Seed funding to $20M for cell reprogramming with siRNA
New funding led by Goldcrest Capital and Godfrey Capital to advance lead candidate JUN_01 for type 2 diabetes and obesity to first-in-human studies
We are excited to announce an additional $10M of Seed funding based on the strength of our data and platform for a total of $20M raised.
Things are progressing rapidly at Junevity. We are building a future where cell reprogramming for all major tissues enables far longer healthspan and lifespan. The ongoing data from our first drug program supports the feasibility and promise of our approach.
As demonstrated in preclinical studies, Junevity’s JUN_01 is the first known candidate to reprogram metabolism to a healthier, younger state. The effects include reduced blood glucose, improved insulin sensitivity, weight loss and maintenance of lean mass, all with the infrequent dosing and safety benefits enabled by siRNA. JUN_01 engages a novel, confidential target identified from the Junevity RESET platform, human disease data and genetic linkages. This target is implicated as a principal regulator of chronic metabolic dysfunction, insulin signaling and appetite. Preclinical models suggest best-in-class efficacy potential, low side effects, dosing once every six months and resistance to weight bounce back after treatment is ended. JUN_01 is promising as a monotherapy and in combination with GLP-1s and could enable lower or less frequent doses of GLP-1s. First-in-human trials are expected to begin in the second half of 2026.
The median age in the U.S. is now 38.5 years. This means more than half of the U.S. is middle-aged and aging (two of our three founders included!). Father Time remains undefeated. We aim to change this, starting with healthspan and lifespan-extending drugs in metabolism and neurodegeneration, and ultimately cell reprogramming for all major tissues.
Coverage: First Word Pharma, Axios, Longevity.Technology, LinkedIn