A further £3.7 million in funding was raised by Senisca, a biotechnology company based in Exeter, UK, that is creating RNA-based senotherapeutics to treat age-related diseases.
The round saw participation from QantX, Emerging Longevity Ventures, the R42 Group, Trend Investment Group, and Apex Ventures, as well as investments from new funds like Lifespan Vision Ventures, bringing the total amount to £7.1M.
The funds will be used by the company to support the preclinical and ongoing development of its senotherapeutic programs, which aim to modify disease by attenuating senescence and target the RNA splicing regulation that causes age-related diseases.
Senisca, a University of Exeter spinout led by CEO Dr. Sarah Cole, has created patented technology that uses RNA biology to rewire old, “senescent” cells.
The business has discovered RNA splicing dysregulation, a novel and druggable aspect of the cellular senescence response that can be specifically targeted in the context of numerous pharmacological and skin health indications.
The novel cellular pathway that induces cell reprogramming and favorably affects markers of disease modification in patient-derived models is the precise target of its senotherapeutics. IND data generation is the primary focus of R&D activities in keeping with the company’s rapid evolution.
About SENISCA
- Exeter University founded RNA therapeutics spinout SENISCA in 2020. The company is developing technology to ‘turn back’ old cell aging.
- SENISCA has identified a key cellular ageing response component that can be targeted for pharmacological and aesthetic purposes.
- The Company develops oligonucleotide and small molecule interventions to manipulate cellular ageing for age-related disease and aesthetics.
- It is building a portfolio of novel interventions that can be mined and commercialized through partnership or co-development models and tailored to clinical need.
- It has evaluated cellular rejuvenation in human primary cell models across 9 cell types and has multiple candidate oligonucleotides and small molecules that target its novel mechanism.
- The company has begun ex vivo research and plans a pre-IND package in 2024.SENISCA’s initial target indications are Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Osteoarthritis, and Age-related Macular Degeneration, which have no cure and only palliative treatments with varying success.
- Senescence drives these diseases, which can be treated locally and have high unmet clinical need. Avoiding systemic delivery issues by targeting these diseases will speed up clinic development.
