BioAge Labs files for IPO

Longevity biotech to become sector’s next public company as it seeks to develop an all-oral combination treatment for obesity.

The world of publicly traded longevity companies is about get another player with the news that age-targeting biotech BioAge Labs has filed for an initial public offering in the United States. The company, which leverages aging biology to develop new therapies for metabolic diseases, plans to be listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol BIOA.

Earlier this year, BioAge raised a whopping $170 million Series D funding round before commencing a Phase 2 clinical trial of its lead candidate azelaprag in combination with Eli Lilly’s drug tirzepatide (Zepbound) for the treatment of obesity in older adults. Then, two weeks ago, the company’s appointment of former GSK CEO Jean-Pierre Garnier as Chair of its Board of Directors, led to speculation that an IPO was imminent.

Assuming the IPO goes ahead as planned, BioAge will join the likes of AgeX Therapeutics, Life Biosciences, Longeveron, and Unity Biotechnology as one of a handful of publicly traded companies focused on targeting the biology of aging.

My take on this: This is hugely exciting news. IPOs are making a comeback, signaling the start of what promises to be a booming longevity biotech market. Multiple longevity biotechs are entering the clinic, and they’ll all need investment firepower for Phase 3 trials, whether through an IPO or pharma acquisition. BioAge is the start of the growth trend we’ve been waiting for. It’s happening.

Financial giants Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Jefferies and Citigroup are the underwriters for BioAge’s offering, demonstrating investors’ ongoing interest in obesity-targeting therapies following the success of GLP-1 inhibitors like Ozempic and Wegovy.

BioAge’s azelaprag is an oral small molecule that acts as an apelin receptor agonist, designed to replicate the metabolic benefits of exercise. The drug works via a new mechanism that complements GLP-1 inhibitors like tirzepatide and semaglutide (Ozepmic/Wegovy), mimicking the effects of a natural hormone released during exercise and targeting processes that help burn fat while preserving muscle function.

For more on BioAge’s IPO filing, drug development strategy and future plans, check out the full article HERE.

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