At the Longevity Summit Dublin 2024, Aaron Cravens, CEO of Revel Pharmaceuticals, presented his company’s work on developing enzyme therapies to reverse molecular damage associated with ageing. Cravens highlighted their focus on advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and how their engineered enzymes aim to restore tissue function and health. Revel is making strides in targeting damage to the extracellular matrix, with potential applications in cardiovascular health, arthritis, and skin ageing. The talk showcased the promising future of enzyme-based repair therapies for age-related diseases.

Key Points:

• Focus on Ageing and Damage: Aaron Cravens, CEO of Revel Pharmaceuticals, discussed how ageing is characterized by the accumulation of damage in molecules, cells, and tissues. His company focuses on developing enzymes that can reverse such damage, particularly in the extracellular matrix (ECM).
• Enzyme Engineering for Repair: Revel Pharmaceuticals is working on engineered enzymes to repair specific age-related damage, including advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) like carboxymethyl lysine (CML), which accumulate in tissues and contribute to ageing.
• Reversing Ageing Damage: The company's enzymes are designed to break down harmful molecular changes that occur with ageing. For example, their enzyme targets CML, which can cause vascular and skin ageing, and their goal is to restore tissue health and function.
• Pipeline and Therapeutic Applications: Revel's enzyme platform is being developed to treat age-related diseases, with applications in cardiovascular health, rheumatoid arthritis, and potentially skincare. They are focusing on fast-tracking clinical applications while also exploring broader uses in longevity.
• Market Potential and Future Plans: Revel's strategy includes entering conventional clinical markets and eventually expanding into longevity biotech. With significant funding and collaborations in place, their goal is to bring enzyme-based therapies to human trials soon.
• Rejuvenation and Repair-Based Approach: Cravens emphasized that rejuvenation is not just about slowing ageing but actively reversing the accumulated damage. Revel's work aims to validate repair-based approaches to treating diseases and ultimately extend human healthspan.