Swiss anti-aging biotech Rejuveron is seeking its rejuvenation as it morphs into Centenara Labs.
The biotech, as Rejuveron Life Sciences AG, raised $75 million in dual tranche series B and convertible loan financing one year ago this month and is focused on a small-molecule approach to regenerate endogenous stem cells.
Its most advanced med is the early clinical stage EA-2353 program, in trials for retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which can cause vision loss. This month, new data for the med have also been released, which shows “encouraging preliminary results,” predominately in safety.
While the startup is still at the beginning of its journey, the name change comes amid a “wider rebranding initiative” set up for “differentiation in the marketplace,” as well as boosting awareness of the company, it said in a statement.
Several companies are in clinical trials are seeking to treat RP, including gene therapy biotech Beacon Therapeutics, which is working on AGTC-501, a phase 2/3 therapy for the treatment of X-linked RP.
Nanoscope Therapeutics is also using a gene therapy approach with MCO-010, which saw positive data presented earlier this year.
“Our transition to Centenara is a bold and forward-thinking step that aligns with our strategic vision and represents more than just a new name; it underscores a renewed focus on working together to build a business that can successfully develop therapies for regenerative medicine and age-related disorders,” said Aksana Labokha, CEO of Centenara.
“Our updated visual identity demonstrates our evolution and sets us apart within the biotechnology sector putting a focus on the drivers of an extended quality of life.”
Biotechs focusing on aging have reveled in the hype over the years, though some struggled as that initial hype failed to live up to expectations. This includes anti-aging biotech Unity Biotechnology, which was forced to ditch its leading knee pain program in 2020 after it failed a key midstage test.
Another anti-aging biotech, AgeX Therapeutics, also saw trouble and appeared locked in limbo for years as it consistently warned that its cash was about to run out while its preclinical pipeline stalled. It had a reprieve last year when Serina Therapeutics decided to act on the opportunity to leverage AgeX’s public listing and merge with the company.