Can this San Diego startup mimic exercise and fasting with a pill? Epirium raises $85M to find out – The San Diego Union-Tribune

A biotech startup in La Jolla has raised $85 million from notable science investors to investigate its idea for treating age-related diseases: a pill that mimics the effects of exercise and fasting.

The company, called Epirium Bio, says its scientists have discovered a new human hormone, which, when influenced, can trigger the production of more mitochondria. The depletion of the bodys mitochondria a.k.a. engines of cells is at the core of many age-related human illnesses.

Until now, the only way weve ever been able to improve mitochondrial biogenesis is through exercise and fasting, said the companys CEO Russ Cox.

The science emerged from research at UC San Diego, where Epiriums chief scientific officer, George Schreiner, and its chief technology officer, Sundeep Dugar, worked with other UCSD collaborators. At the time, they were studying flavanols, chemicals found in dark chocolate, berries and other foods linked to heart health. As they explored the biological activity around flavanols, it became clear they were observing a new and unidentified hormonal pathway.

Russell Cox, president and CEO of Epirium

(Courtesy of Epirium)

The companys leaders believe influencing the hormone, which is still unnamed, will boost the amount and productivity of mitochondria.

We successfully discovered the hormone, and now have synthesized and produced it, Cox said. The hormone will be named in a soon-to-be-published scientific paper.

To start, Epirium will be tackling rare muscle disorders, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy and Friedreichs ataxia.

The companys investigational pill has been tested in 110 patients total during Epiriums proof of concept trials. But it hasnt yet entered full-scale human trials, which are slated to begin early this year.

Down the road, Cox thinks there will be much broader applications in slowing or reversing diseases that stem from aging, such as heart failure, Parkinsons or Alzheimers.

A lot of people believe the real effects of this hormone are tied to the heart, the muscle and the brain, Cox said. But those are long-term goals.

The company has a group of high-profile investors on board. Longitude Capital, ARCH Venture Partners, Bluebird Ventures, Vertex Ventures HC and Adams Street have joined in on the $85 million round of financing, which closed in December. Theres also an investor called Longevity Fund, a group focused on extending human life.

Epirium employs 10 people today at its La Jolla headquarters and plans to add 40 more positions within 12 months. The new jobs will span several departments, from clinical development and operations to office staff.

Read more here:
Can this San Diego startup mimic exercise and fasting with a pill? Epirium raises $85M to find out - The San Diego Union-Tribune