Send in the senoblockers – Dorian and HitGen announce a research collaboration focused on DNA-encoded library-based drug discovery for age-related diseases.
HitGen, Inc today announced that it has entered into a research collaboration agreement with Dorian Therapeutics, Inc, a private biotechnology company developing senoblockers, a new class of therapeutics that can rejuvenate cells and tissues. Under the terms of the agreement, HitGen, which is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and will be eligible for milestone payments from Dorian.
Longevity.Technology: We previously covered HitGen’s collaboration with BioAge to identify and develop novel small-molecule compounds against a challenging biological target. Now HitGen will apply its platform technology, based on the design, synthesis and screening of DNA-encoded libraries (DEL) to discover compounds that bind to certain targets, which are of interest to Dorian.
HitGen is a front-runner in the development of the DEL technology and applications to early-stage small molecule drug discovery. The availability of over 1 trillion small molecules generated by the DEL technology and the efficiency of the screening process have made it possible for HitGen to enable drug discovery projects for many organisations around the world.
“We look forward to working with Dorian to identify novel small molecule starting points from DNA-encoded libraries,” said Dr Jin Li, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of HitGen. “We will work closely with Dorian scientists to generate new lead compounds for their research programs to address unmet medical needs associated with aging.”
Senotherapy is a growing field, with different companies styling their research as senolytics, senomorphics, senostatics, senomodulators and senosuppressors. Dorian has gone with senoblockers, as its therapy involves blocking enzymes that inhibit stem cell function and promote senescence, with the hope that the cellular scales will be tipped as a result in favour of cellular renewal.
Finding innovative solutions for diseases of aging
Based on this proprietary patented technology, Dorian’s team is bringing to the clinic an innovative solution for age-associated diseases. The company was a start-up out of Stanford University, founded by two alumnae, CEO Maddalena Adorno, PhD, and CSO Benedetta di Robilant, PhD. Dorian’s laboratories are located in San Carlos, California, and the company is backed by leading venture capital firms, including Longevity Capital, Y Combinator, Blumberg Capital and Pacific 8 Ventures.
“We are excited to enter this collaboration with HitGen, a world leader in DNA-encoded library technologies,” said Maddalena Adorno, PhD, Dorian’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “HitGen’s formidable DEL platform that features over 1 trillion small, drug-like molecules has been widely used by leading global pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and we believe that HitGen would be a perfect partner for us in discovering and developing new therapeutics for age-associated diseases.”
Intrigued by the exciting and developing senotherapeutics field? Our market intelligence report on senotherapeutics (including senoblockers) is now available – order your copy here and watch out for more senotherapeutics-related articles coming soon.
