Author: YL

VDP-16: Korolchuk Lab - Autophagy Activator

VDP-16: Korolchuk Laboratory - Autophagy Activator

Summary: The VDP-16 project at the Korolchuk Laboratory aims to discover new autophagy activators through screening of natural compound libraries to combat aging and related diseases.

Overview: The VDP-16 project, proposed by the Korolchuk Laboratory, aims to combat aging and related diseases by activating the autophagy pathway. Autophagy is a process of clearing damaged cellular components, and its function is weakened during the aging process. The project uses a cellular model with Npc1 mutation to simulate lysosomal dysfunction, which leads to blockage of the late stage of autophagy, affecting cell survival. The Korolchuk Laboratory plans to use a unique natural compound library for screening and synthesizing derivatives of these compounds to identify their biological targets. The project utilizes a high-throughput cell death-based screening system to rapidly identify genuine autophagy inducers. The project team consists of Viktor Korolchuk, Jóhannes Reynisson, and Konstantin Volcho, who have rich experience in the fields of cell biology, drug discovery, and organic chemistry.

Expanded understanding:

YL comments: Immunity activation can be achieved through hot and cold spring alternation therapy, which is commonly popular in the recovery after athletes' training. However, it is difficult to enhance the autophagy function of damaged cells through external force, and as age advances, the autophagy function will gradually weaken. After the autophagy activator is transformed into anti-aging health products, there is a broad commercial prospect. All VITA holders are potential consumers.

VDP-17: Collaboration with Crowd Funded Cures (redevelopment of effective generic drugs)

VDP-17: Collaboration with CrowdFundedCures.org

Brief: VitaDAO is conducting a feasibility study by providing $40,000 in funding support for Crowd Funded Cures.

Overview: The VDP-17 proposal aims to address the repositioning issue of generic drugs and dietary supplements. This study aims to re-screen 20,000 FDA-approved generic drugs available on the market, some of which have expired patents or are no longer maintained.

Expanded understanding:

YL comments: Reusing expired patented drugs can significantly reduce the cost and time of developing new drugs. The CrowdFundedCures model allows these drugs to undergo clinical trials without the need for expensive patent protection, thereby accelerating the market launch process.

VDP-18 Jonathan An - Reversing Periodontal Disease Using Aging Science

VDP-18: JonathanAn-Reversing Periodontal Disease Using Aging Science

Brief: Provided up to $300,000 in funding for Jonathan An's research project to explore the potential of reversing periodontitis in the elderly using Geroscience approaches.

Overview: The VDP-18 proposal aims to provide funding for Dr. Jonathan An's research, which aims to develop a novel treatment for periodontitis in the elderly by targeting the PI3K/NFkB/mTOR signaling pathway with small molecule inhibitors. This research is based on a paper published in eLife, which demonstrates positive effects of oral rapamycin treatment on periodontal bone loss in RATS models. The research team plans to test 5 candidate drugs in an 8-week study and compare them with rapamycin. If systemic treatment is effective, the research will further explore the local delivery of these drugs. In addition, the study will evaluate the impact of these drugs on neurodegeneration and cognitive function. The outcomes of the research are expected to provide important preclinical intellectual property (IP) data for non-surgical treatments of periodontal diseases and may drive the establishment of new companies.

Expanded understanding:

YL comments: The global aging trend is evident, with the elderly population aged 65 and older expected to reach 2 billion by 2050. This large elderly population continuously increases demand for health management, disease prevention, and treatment. The assets produced include clinical intellectual property (IP) data and potential drug delivery, with Pfizer as an investor behind it and no shortage of channels in the drug production process.

VDP-21 and Evandro Fang discovered a new mitochondrial autophagy activator together

VDP-21 and EvandroFang discovered a new mitochondrial autophagy activator.

Brief: Research team led by Evandro Fang proposed a research project to discover novel apoptotic activators to promote healthy brain aging and longevity, which has been voted and funded.

Overview: The research project identifies new Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug candidates rapidly through artificial intelligence (Fang-AI) and laboratory validation platforms (including C. elegans, mice, and iPSCs). Dr. Evandro Fang's research team was one of the first to propose the critical role of defective apoptosis in the onset and progression of AD, and demonstrated that induced apoptosis in multiple AD animal models can inhibit memory loss. The team established the Fang-AI laboratory validation platform and successfully screened two lead compounds as drug candidates for AD. The project plans to screen new apoptosis activators from the compound library of the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) using Fang-AI and the laboratory validation platform in WP1, and to conduct AI structural modification and laboratory validation of two natural compounds, EFF-AA and EFF-BA, in WP2. The total cost of the project is estimated to be between 2.5-4 million USD, and DAO will own 100% of the project and related intellectual property.

Expanded understanding:

YL comments: The biology of aging and Alzheimer's disease are both unsolved mysteries, and any effective results in the journey are future valuable assets.

VDP-32 Hyperspectral Imaging System for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

VDP-32 is a hyperspectral imaging device for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Brief: This proposal is to raise 30,000 euros to fund the development of crystal camera technology by Mantis Photonics, which aims to early screen for Alzheimer's disease by detecting retinal amyloid beta peptides.

Overview: Alzheimer's disease is a leading cause of dementia worldwide, and there is currently no simple early diagnostic method. Mantis Photonics AB is developing a transistor camera for retinal imaging to facilitate early screening of Alzheimer's disease. The camera can be installed on a conventional retinal imaging device and is expected to have a much lower cost than existing products on the market, helping to promote widespread adoption. The project has obtained two patent protections and has concept validation research supported by peer review to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Expanded understanding:

YL comments: The biology of aging and Alzheimer's disease are both unsolved mysteries, and any effective results in the journey are future valuable assets.

VDP-39 Funds Longevity Hacker Film

VDP-39 funds the longevity Hacker movie

Brief: The VitaDAO community voted on proposal VDP-39 to invest $100,000 in Michal Siewierski's documentary "LongevityHackers" to promote scientific research in the field of healthy longevity and raise public awareness and interest in this area.

Overview: The VDP-39 proposal requests funding of up to $100,000 for the documentary 'Longevity Hackers,' directed by Michal Siewierski. The film aims to promote research in the fields of healthy longevity and life extension, bringing additional exposure to the industry to accelerate the research of anti-aging drugs, treatments, and surgeries. VitaDAO's community and ideological working group have successfully raised awareness of research on healthy longevity and life extension through various means such as online articles, Clubhouse journal club meetings, Twitter spaces, and YouTube content. However, this awareness is mainly limited to those already interested in the aging field or the Web3 space. The project aims to increase the visibility of the community and support the rise and educational themes of the community through investment in the film and expected financial returns. 'Longevity Hackers,' following Emmy-nominated director Michal Siewierski, explores the latest research and scientific breakthroughs in the field of aging and healthy longevity. The film is produced by New Roots Films, an independent film company in Phoenix, USA, co-founded by Michal Siewierski and Ruben Figueres. Michal Siewierski is an internationally acclaimed documentary filmmaker and television producer, while Ruben Figueres is an entrepreneur and media expert with over twenty years of experience in media, business, and advertising. The film is a $2 million project, including promotion, distribution, and high-quality production costs. So far, the project has received funding from LongevityTech.fund and other investors, and filming has begun in the past six months, shortening the time to market the film and start generating returns for investors.

YL comments: Film dissemination is still the mainstream way of reaching the public. Although time passes, films can be preserved for future generations to discover!

VDP-46 Repair Biotechnologies

VDP-46RepairBiotechnologies

Summary: Repair Biotechnologies is a preclinical biotech company developing a universal cell therapy for treating atherosclerosis that aims to reduce cardiovascular event risk and improve existing drug treatments.

Overview: The company is focused on developing a new therapy for atherosclerosis, which involves modifying cells to safely metabolize excessive cholesterol. This therapy, based on universal cells, may drop the risk of cardiovascular events and improve the efficacy of existing drug treatments. The company's technology has shown promising results in cell lines and mouse models, and is currently working on completing the development of candidate therapies and seeking approval for clinical trials. Repair Biotechnologies' treatment approach is based on enhanced macrophages, which can metabolize cholesterol and potentially be applied to other cell types and disease indications. Since its inception, the company has raised over 2.7 million dollars and is undergoing a new round of financing to support preclinical research and clinical trials. The proposal has been scientifically and commercially evaluated by the Longevity-Dealflow working group and has received Decentralization voting support from VITA Tokenholders.

Expanded understanding:

YL: According to the data of the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death globally. Therefore, the demand for effective treatment plans for atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia will continue to rise.

VDP-85 HDAX Treatment

VDP-85HDAX treatment

Brief: HDAX Therapeutics is a preclinical stage drug discovery company focused on developing novel small molecule drugs for the treatment of neurologic pathology and inflammation. Its developed HDAC6 inhibitors have higher blood-brain barrier penetration and lower toxicity.

Overview: HDAX Therapeutics is a preclinical drug discovery company located at the University of Toronto, focusing on developing treatments for pathologies caused by histone deacetylase (HDAC), such as neurodegeneration and inflammation. The company's primary development target is HDAC6, whose inhibition has demonstrated potential to extend lifespan in animal models. HDAX has designed novel small molecule drugs with excellent selectivity and potential through its unique dual-coordinated binding mechanism, which can overcome the deficiencies of traditional HDAC6 inhibitors, such as weak binding, nonspecific toxicity, and adverse pharmacokinetic properties. The primary drug candidate of HDAX has shown good blood-brain barrier penetration capability and safety in mouse models.

HDAX is composed of a group of experienced scientists and entrepreneurs with a deep background in drug discovery and entrepreneurship. The company was founded in Professor Patrick Gunning's laboratory, a renowned chemistry professor and serial entrepreneur. HDAX has won multiple entrepreneurial competitions, raised over $340,000 in funding, and has applied for a patent for its lead compound.

Expanded understanding:

YL: In plain language, this field addresses the painful symptoms of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy that we are familiar with, as well as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, heart disease, and so on.

VDP-89 ExcepGen Inc - RNA therapy for longevity

VDP-89ExcepGenInc- RNA therapy for longevity

Summary: ExcepGen Inc is developing a RNA therapy platform called RNAx, which aims to enhance the efficacy of RNA vaccines, especially targeting antigens such as the universal flu virus, through optimizing RNA delivery and regulating cellular signaling.

Overview: ExcepGen Inc aims to develop a new generation of vaccines and therapeutic drugs by using its innovative RNAx platform to improve RNA delivery and cellular signal regulation. The RNAx technology can generate a regulatory protein that slows down signal transduction between the cell nucleus and cytoplasm, reducing stress and endogenous immune signals, thereby increasing the expression efficiency of RNA payloads. The company is applying this technology to produce RNA vaccines targeting challenging antigens (such as the influenza virus).

ExcepGen has demonstrated the efficacy of the RNAx platform in experiments, significantly increasing the expression of loaded RNA in mice and human BJ cells, while dropping or eliminating the release of harmful inflammatory factors. The company is focusing on developing a universal spore-based influenza vaccine and plans to expand its product line, including vaccines, protein substitutes, and gene editing.

ExcepGen's team has a strong technical background, having been educated at the University of Oxford and founded the company to bring reliability to genetic medicine. The company is raising funds, including $100,000 allocated for the VitaDAO community, to fund laboratory research, scientific operations, and animal laboratory immunogenicity studies.

Expanded understanding:

YL: This universal influenza vaccine has the advantage of being used not only for treating influenza infections but also for prevention, such as regulating immune responses.

VDP-112 Cyclarity - A new cyclodextrin molecule for various age-related diseases

VDP-112Cyclarity- a novel cyclodextrin molecule for various age-related diseases

Brief: Cyclarity Therapeutics is a startup biotechnology company developing a novel cyclodextrin capsule drug designed computationally to extract harmful biomolecules, especially oxidized cholesterol accumulated in the body, including cardiovascular diseases.

Overview: Cyclarity Therapeutics (CTx) is developing a cyclodextrin capsule drug that can extract harmful biomolecules accumulated during the aging process from cells and tissues. Their primary drug target is oxidized cholesterol, especially 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), which is an important factor in various age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cataracts, stroke, and cirrhosis. CTx is also developing a computational platform combining artificial intelligence and machine learning to design novel cyclodextrin molecules targeting any objective. Their drug candidate, UDP-003, efficiently binds to 7KC, capable of reversing foam cell formation in humans and restoring their phagocytic function. Pharmacological studies of UDP-003 have shown a short half-life and high bioavailability. Currently, CTx is preparing for phase I clinical trials and planning for phase II clinical trials to evaluate the overall effectiveness of their drug strategy. CTx has completed Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) drug production and is conducting General Laboratory Practice (GLP) general toxicology studies. They have completed a $3.95 million seed round of financing and are raising $3-4 million in bridge financing to prepare for and initiate phase I clinical trials. The CTx team includes scientists and management with extensive R&D experience.

Expanded understanding:

YL: "One pill cures all", UDP-003 can be applied to AMD, NAFLD, Alzheimer's disease, COPD, and many other diseases. AMD mainly affects vision, especially in the elderly. NAFLD is a disease related to fatty liver, usually associated with metabolic syndrome. COPD is a chronic lung disease that mainly affects respiratory function, usually associated with smoking.

VDP-120 Oisín Biotechnologies - Gene Therapy for Health and Longevity

VDP-120 Oisín Biotechnologies - Gene therapy for health and longevity

Brief: Oisín Biotechnologies is a company dedicated to developing genetic medical solutions to treat age-related diseases. Its technology platform, Fusogenix Proteo-Lipid Vehicle (PLV), can effectively deliver specific DNA and RNA to treat age-related diseases such as muscle atrophy.

Overview: Oisín Biotechnologies is a company dedicated to developing gene medicine therapies to address aging and related diseases. Its main goal is to enhance the physical strength of the elderly by improving muscle quality, thus preventing and treating age-related diseases such as muscle atrophy. The company's technology platform, Fusogenix PLV, can safely and cost-effectively deliver specific genetic material, demonstrating its potential in selectively eliminating fat cells and insight cells in animal and human tissue experiments. Oisín's research has shown that a single treatment can significantly increase muscle size and physical strength. In addition, the company has conducted high-dose tolerance studies in non-human primates, and its PLV platform has been validated for safety in phase II clinical trials of COVID vaccines in humans.

Oisín faces a huge opportunity as the rise in the global elderly population is expected to increase age-related diseases. The company's Follistatin gene therapy is believed to effectively treat muscle atrophy and has the potential to extend lifespan. Oisín has extensive intellectual property, including exclusive rights to the Fusogenix PLV patent portfolio and multiple patents related to its specific products and therapeutic applications. The company is seeking funding to advance its research and has set aside a $50k SAFE investment for the VitaDAO community to facilitate collaboration. Oisín's budget plan shows total expenditures of nearly $4.6 million in research and development, personnel wages, consulting, laboratory rental and insurance, legal, and intellectual property.

Oisín's team is composed of senior leaders in the biotechnology industry, including CEO and founder Matthew Scholz, who has years of experience in founding and managing biotech companies, as well as other executives and advisors with extensive research and development experience.

Expanded understanding:

YL: The known ways to increase muscle mass are through diet and exercise. Oisín uses biotechnology to stimulate muscle growth, without relying on traditional exercise. The highlight is addressing muscle loss faced by disabled individuals, as well as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes patients during treatment.

VDP-126 [Funding] Remedium Bio

VDP-126[资助]RemediumBio

Brief: Remedium Bio is a regenerative medicine biotechnology company that has developed the only adjustable-dose gene therapy platform technology Prometheus™

Overview: Remedium Bio focuses on age-related diseases and large unmet clinical needs. Its leading product is a regenerative gene therapy for osteoarthritis, which increases the expression of fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) with a single injection, promoting the formation and maintenance of healthy cartilage. The Prometheus™ platform overcomes the limitations of current gene therapy technology, providing adjustable dosing regimens that can replace multiple muscle injections with a single injection, significantly reducing treatment costs. In addition, Remedium Bio is developing a single injection therapy for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, which has shown similar efficacy to daily injections of Exenatide in animal models while dropping drug-related side effects. The company is raising $15 million in Series A funding to bring three key assets to clinical trials and has already raised initial funds to advance its technology into the clinical proof-of-concept stage. Remedium Bio has an experienced team and strong intellectual property protection, and its technology and products are expected to have a significant impact in multiple areas, including osteoarthritis, diabetes, obesity, and other anti-aging treatments.

Expanded understanding:

YL: Arthritis, diabetes, obesity, etc. are all common diseases with a wide range of applications. Conclusion:

The above was initially organized in the Mirror draft box of DeSci.money on December 19, 2023. Today, it is reorganized and sent out, hoping to assist you in your DeSci investment journey. DYOR!