LucyTx bags $12.5m to advance mitochondrial treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Linking neurodegenerative disease to dysfunctional mitochondria, startup is developing small-molecule treatments and diagnostic biomarkers.

Longevity biotech Lucy Therapeutics has raised an additional $12.5 million in funding to advance the development of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases that target mitochondrial dysfunction. Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company’s approach integrates mitochondrial, environmental and genetic factors to identify unique drug targets and develop small-molecule treatments and diagnostic biomarkers.

My take on this: Mitochondria, known as the 'power generators' of cells, also regulate key cellular functions, and their dysfunction is linked to many age-related diseases. LucyTx was founded on the hypothesis that targeting key mitochondrial proteins could treat diseases involving mitochondrial dysfunction.

The company is advancing drug discovery programs against Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Rett syndrome, a rare condition affecting 1 in 10,000 females. Having identified lead compounds, defined target engagements and pinpointed disease biomarkers for Parkinson’s and Rett syndrome, LucyTx plans to file Investigational New Drug (IND) applications for both by early next year.

Founder and CEO Dr Amy Ripka said that meaningful progress against complex diseases requires embracing “non-traditional methods.”

“LucyTx is doing just that, identifying new drug targets based on a deep understanding of the chemical and biological interplay at work in disease, and ultimately linking neurodegenerative disease to dysfunctional mitochondria,” she added. “This latest funding will advance our work pioneering a new class of therapeutics designed to address mitochondrial dysfunction and provide potentially curative treatments for people suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Rett syndrome.”

The investment round was led by Engine Ventures and Safar Partners, with new contributions from Bill Gates, Parkinson’s UK, and others. The new funding includes a $2 million non-dilutive grant from the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and brings the company’s total funding to over $36 million.

Get to know more about this Lucy Therapeutics and other details about the funding right HERE .

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