SENS Research Foundation Annual Report 2022 

Quick Highlights

• CEO Lisa Fabiny-Kiser reflected: “Together, we will build this new world, one brick at a time. Our mission to combat ageing remains unwavering amidst unprecedented challenges and incredible support.”
• Annual update showcasing financial milestones and advancements in ageing research.
• Raised $30M, with $2.67M dedicated to research activities.
• Special recognition for transformative donations through the PulseChain Airdrop campaign.

People

Key Leadership and Team Updates

• Dr. Amutha Boominathan: Research Group Lead, MitoSENS, focusing on mitochondrial gene therapy.
• Dr. Amit Sharma: Research Group Lead, ApoptoSENS, targeting senescent cells.
• Dr. Abdelhadi Rebbaa: Research Group Lead, RepleniSENS, advancing neuroregeneration.
• Maria Entraigues Abramson: Director of Outreach, strengthening global collaborations and donor engagement.
• Dr. Emily Lillian Fishman: Director of Academic Affairs, leading educational initiatives.

Investments

Biotechnology Startups Supported

• Cyclarity Therapeutics: Developing small molecules to remove 7-ketocholesterol, addressing atherosclerosis.
• Ichor Life Sciences: Advancing LysoSENS technology for age-related macular degeneration.
• Oisín Biotech: Pioneering senescent cell destruction with DNA constructs and liposome technologies.
• Revel Pharmaceuticals: Translating GlycoSENS research into therapies targeting glucosepane crosslinks.
• Covalent Bioscience: Engineering AmyloSENS therapies to cleave amyloid aggregates in age-related diseases.

Innovative Fundraising

• The PulseChain Airdrop campaign, led by Richard Heart, raised over $27M, marking SRF’s largest single fundraising initiative.
• Expanded support through cryptocurrency donations, emphasizing new avenues for philanthropic contributions.

Outreach and Education

Key Partnerships and Initiatives

• Hosted the first virtual Donor Appreciation Event via exVO VR, engaging nearly 300 attendees.
• Collaborated with global conferences, including RAADfest and the Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting.
• Expanded the RISE teaching module, introducing senescence-focused education materials to classrooms.

Education Programs

• Summer Scholars Program placed students in prestigious labs, including Stanford University and Harvard Medical School.
• Postbaccalaureate Fellowships supported recent graduates at leading institutions, fostering careers in ageing research.

2022 Research Project Summaries

ApoptoSENS: Eliminating Senescent Cells

Principal Investigator: Dr. Amit Sharma

Achievements:

• Advanced immune-based senolytic therapies targeting vulnerabilities in secondary senescent cells.
• Identified potential drugs to regulate iron metabolism in senescent cells.

LysoSENS: Lipofuscin Clearance

Principal Investigator: Dr. Tilman Grune

Achievements:

• Developed enzyme-based strategies for breaking down lipofuscin to rejuvenate cellular functions.
• Conducted structural analyses of lipofuscin’s toxic effects.

MitoSENS: Mitochondrial Gene Therapy

Principal Investigator: Dr. Amutha Boominathan

Achievements:

• Demonstrated mitochondrial gene expression in cellular models.
• Explored novel gene delivery techniques for restoring mitochondrial function.

RepleniSENS: Neuronal Replacement

Principal Investigator: Dr. Abdelhadi Rebbaa

Achievements:

• Engineered microglia to support neuronal regeneration and therapeutic delivery.
• Developed strategies to integrate neuronal precursors into brain structures.

AmyloSENS: Alzheimer’s Therapies

Principal Investigator: Dr. Annelise Barron

Achievements:

• Progressed tau-targeting therapies to dismantle intracellular aggregates.
• Advanced delivery systems for Alzheimer’s therapies, including antibody technologies.

GlycoSENS: Extracellular Matrix Rejuvenation

Principal Investigator: Dr. Jonathan Clark

Achievements:

• Investigated mechanisms of glucosepane crosslinks and their impact on tissue ageing.
• Advanced technologies to target crosslinks, aiming to restore tissue elasticity.

SENS Research Foundation continues to drive innovation in regenerative medicine by addressing the root causes of ageing. Through groundbreaking research, impactful partnerships, and a growing community of supporters, SRF remains committed to creating a future free of age-related diseases.