Company is developing bioreactor-grown mitochondria to be transplanted into the human body.
DISCLOSURE: Longevity.Technology (a brand of First Longevity Limited) has been contracted by the company featured in this article to support its current funding round. Qualifying investors can find out more via the Longevity.Technology investor portal.
This week’s Longevity Summit Dublin is in full swing, bringing together experts from around the world, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the pursuit of solutions to extend human healthspan. One of the speakers during today’s sessions was Stanford professor and surgeon, Dr Vinit Mahajan, who is also Chief Medical Advisor for longevity biotech startup Mitrix Bio.
In his address to summit delegates in Dublin, Mahajan presented the company’s fascinating preclinical technology: bioreactor-grown mitochondria designed to be transplanted into the human body to regenerate organs, reverse age-related disease, and support other longevity therapies.
Mitrix’s research suggests that many diseases of old age, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, retinal, and infectious disorders, are caused by the “inexorable degeneration” of tiny strands of DNA present inside each mitochondrion. The company says this degeneration leads to a decline in energy produced, which reduces the functionality of the cell, slows healing, and allows accumulation of waste products.
‘Growing’ mitochondria in bioreactors
Mahajan explained how Mitrix uses bioreactors – like those used for stem cells – to “grow” large volumes of healthy mitochondria, isolate them, coat them with a specially-engineered protein coating, and transplant them into patients to be absorbed and used by cells.
By growing extra mitochondria and transplanting them into the body, Mitrix is aiming to reverse the decline of cellular function and treat a wide range of aging-related diseases. The company suggests its technology may benefit the longevity field specifically, providing the boost of energy needed to support other potential treatments, such as epigenetic reprogramming.
Founded two years ago, Mitrix has gathered a world-class group of scientists to tackle the emerging field of mitochondrial transplantation. In addition to Mahajan, the company boasts advisors including Dr Michael Snyder, Chair of the Genetics Department at Stanford University, and Dr Thomas Rando, Director of the UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center.
Qualifying investors can find out more about Mitrix Bio via the Longevity.Technology investor portal.
Investing in early-stage businesses involves risks, including illiquidity, lack of dividends, loss of investment and dilution, and it should be done only as part of a diversified portfolio. First Longevity is targeted exclusively at sophisticated investors who understand these risks and make their own investment decisions. Investment opportunities have not been approved as financial promotions and are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and you may not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). If you are in any doubt about the action you should take or the contents of any of the Financial Promotion received, you should contact your stockbroker, solicitor, accountant, bank manager or other professional adviser authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, who specialises in advising on bonds, shares and other securities, including unlisted securities.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. You should not rely on any past performance as a guarantee of future investment performance. Tax relief depends on an individual’s circumstances and may change in the future. In addition, the availability of tax relief depends on the company invested in maintaining its qualifying status.
