Genflow Biosciences moves into cellular reprogramming

Genflow signs new collaborative research agreement with Organips

UK-based biotech Genflow has announced it has entered into a collaborative research agreement with Organips, a France-based biotechnology company founded by Professor Jean Marc Lemaitre, an innovator in cellular aging reversibility through induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) reprogramming strategies.

Longevity.Technology: The collaboration will initially research the potential of the Sirtuin-6 (SIRT6) gene variant found in centenarians in reversing the aging process in cells from patients with Werner Syndrome (WS), a rare disease characterised by premature aging.

Through the collaboration, Genflow and Organips will work on the generation of iPSC and will focus on pre-clinical exploratory research studies evaluating the potential of SIRT6 to reprogram WS liver organoids (artificial multi-cellular tissue) and make them young again as a prerequisite for future SIRT6 therapies.

The cellular reprogramming research will seek to demonstrate both the safety and efficacy of SIRT6 in reliable WS models, leveraging Organips’ significant expertise in taking old cells and rejuvenating them. Professor Jean Marc Lemaitre, who has published several papers on reprogramming cells, is a pioneer in this field, having already filed several patents.

READ MORE: Can cellular rejuvenation therapy reverse signs of aging and reset cells?

This ties in with Genflow’s aims, as it is focused on longevity and the development of therapies to counteract the effects of aging and diseases associated with advanced age.

Dr Eric Leire, Founder and CEO of Genflow, said: “Genflow is very excited with this collaboration which gives the company the opportunity to work with a company under the scientific advisory of Professor Jean Marc Lemaitre, who has tremendous experience in reprograming cells.

“Through this collaboration, Genflow will work on reprogramming cells from patients with Werner Syndrome with the aim of taking the prematurely aged cells from Werner patients and making them young again. Reprograming is one of the most exciting research areas within the longevity field and is attracting significant investment, with prominent deals in the sector attracting investment capital of over $3bn last year.”

READ MORE: Genflow receives grant award to accelerate longevity research

Disclosure: First Longevity Ltd which operates this website (Longevity.Technology) has a commercial interest in Genflow Biosciences Ltd.