Key points from article :
Juvenescence, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in ageing and age-related diseases, has announced a $9 million investment in MDI Therapeutics, a Michigan-based company pioneering serpin-based therapies for fibrosis and fibroproliferative disorders. This funding will propel MDI's lead program, a first-in-class oral Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor (PAI-1) inhibitor, into Phase 1 clinical trials. PAI-1 is a protein linked to fibrosis, thrombosis, and various ageing-related conditions, making it a promising target for innovative treatments.
MDI’s proprietary high-throughput screening platform has successfully developed novel drug candidates targeting PAI-1, overcoming past challenges in pharmaceutical development. Preclinical studies have shown their lead molecule is effective in combating fibrosis and thrombosis, with a strong safety and pharmacokinetic profile. According to Juvenescence’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Grazia Piizzi, these findings stand out compared to earlier small-molecule inhibitors of PAI-1.
Juvenescence leaders emphasize the potential of PAI-1 inhibition in addressing diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and systemic sclerosis, which impose significant burdens on ageing populations. Highlighting its broad therapeutic implications, MDI’s work builds on evidence suggesting that partial inhibition of PAI-1 can improve healthspan and longevity, as observed in carriers of a rare genetic mutation.
The partnership between Juvenescence and MDI underscores a shared commitment to tackling fundamental causes of age-related diseases. By combining Juvenescence’s expertise in drug development with MDI’s advanced serpin biology research, this collaboration aims to deliver groundbreaking solutions for chronic fibrotic and inflammatory conditions.
