Key points from article :
Junevity, a San Francisco-based longevity biotech startup, has raised $10 million in seed funding to develop "cell reset" therapies aimed at reversing cellular dysfunction and extending human healthspan. The company’s approach focuses on targeting transcription factors—genes that regulate cellular health—using small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics. By restoring these factors to their optimal levels, Junevity hopes to combat age-related diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and frailty.
Founded in 2023, Junevity builds on research from the University of California, San Francisco, including work by co-founder Dr. Janine Sengstack. Her studies demonstrated that manipulating transcription factors can reverse age-related cellular decline. The company’s initial preclinical studies have shown promising results, with its siRNA treatments improving glucose control in diabetic mice and significantly reducing body fat in obese models without harming lean muscle mass. Notably, Junevity’s therapies could require infrequent dosing—just once every three to twelve months—potentially improving patient compliance.
Led by CEO Dr. John Hoekman and Chief Operating Officer Rob Cahill, the startup aims to position itself as a leader in cellular rejuvenation rather than just a developer of weight loss drugs. With support from investors such as Goldcrest Capital and Godfrey Capital, Junevity plans to move toward clinical trials, targeting 2026 as the potential start date for its first human study. The company sees its work as a step toward addressing aging at a fundamental genetic level, with the long-term goal of extending both lifespan and healthspan.
