The latest longevity updates from our investment news desk.

Turn Bio targets regenerative aesthetics

Cell rejuvenation company Turn Biotechnologies announced that it will share new data for its revolutionary dermatology platform with the international regenerative aesthetic community.

The company, which is developing novel mRNA medicines to cure untreatable, age-related conditions, will present evidence-based data showing the global regenerative efficacy of Turn Bio’s Epigenetic Reprogramming of Aging (ERA) technology on human skin cells at the Aesthetic and Anti-aging World Congress in Monaco.

Turn Bio’s co-founder and head of research, Dr Vittorio Sebastiano, will provide insights on stem cell exhaustion and discuss how the company’s ERA technology can rejuvenate cells and restore cellular function in skin.

Celularity inks Middle East distribution deal

Regenerative medicine company Celularity (Nasdaq: CELU) announced that it has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports Logistics (ADPL). ADPL will distribute Celularity’s biomaterial products in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Egypt.

“Today’s announcement highlights a significant milestone in our global expansion strategy and focus on the Middle East and North Africa market,” said Robert J. Hariri Celularity’s CEO. “We are proud to partner with AD Ports Logistics to bring our innovative, Halal-Certified biomaterial products into the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Egypt.”

MyndYou teams up with Ontrak

AI-powered virtual health company MyndYou announced that telehealth-enabled health care company Ontrak will use MyndYou’s AI-powered conversational platform, MyEleanor, to engage with members, triage needs, and address issues pertaining to behavioral, medical, or social care needs.

The announcement comes after a successful pilot program in which Ontrak Health used MyEleanor to call members on their phones and have emotionally-driven AI “conversations” to remind them of appointments, check in on their health and assess them for risks. As a result of MyEleanor’s high-touch, emotionally-driven conversational AI interventions, 38 percent of those members were actively re-engaged with Ontrak Health’s evidence-based behavioral health coaching services.

“There is a lot of talk about using cutting-edge AI in health care, but MyndYou is actually delivering it,” said Dr Judith Feld, Chief Medical Officer at Ontrak Health. “The successful pilot program has demonstrated the value of MyEleanor in expanding our outreach effort to our members, which increases both satisfaction and outcomes. We are excited to expand MyEleanor to our entire member population.”

Lucy Therapeutics appoints CSO

Mitochondrial-based therapies company Lucy Therapeutics announced the appointment of Dr Christopher J. Winrow as Chief Scientific Officer. A neuroscience and translational medicine expert, Winrow’s career in cross-functional drug discovery and development has spanned preclinical research through launch of new medicines at a range of biotech startups and global companies.

At Lucy Therapeutics, Winrow will direct drug discovery and development strategy to advance the company’s pipeline, particularly its proprietary preclinical compounds in Parkinson’s disease, Rett syndrome, as well as other diseases of mitochondrial dysfunction. He also will lead the development of scientific collaborations and partnerships to expand and optimize Lucy Therapeutics’ portfolio.

“Chris is a strong addition to the Lucy Therapeutics leadership team, and he is integral to our future drug development success,” said Amy Ripka, CEO and founder of Lucy Therapeutics. “His deep industry experience in neuroscience and translational medicine brings high-performance knowledge and skills that enhance our team and vision as we relentlessly pursue new therapeutic options for patients with mitochondrial dysfunctions.”

LVP closes $30 million fund

Longevity Venture Partners (LVP), a Baltimore-based VC focused on investing in companies that develop technologies and solutions to support the aging population, announced the closing of a $30 million fund. The fund is backed by high-net-worth individuals and families who share LVP’s commitment to support aging technologies and advance the longevity field.

LVP will use the funds to invest in early-stage silvertech companies that are focused on developing innovative products and services that support the aging population, increase longevity and improve quality of life and independence for older adults.

“The aging population is growing rapidly, and we need to find ways to help people age more healthily and live longer, more productive lives,” said Dr Jonathan Ringo, General Partner at LVP. “We are excited to partner with companies to support their efforts to develop innovative solutions to address this important challenge.”