UNITY Biotechnology

UNITY Biotechnology develops therapeutics targeting age-related diseases, particularly focusing on therapy in ophthalmologic diseases, including diabetic macular edema and age-related neurologic conditions.

Its therapeutics are intended to selectively eliminate or modulate senescent cells to slow down, stop, or even reverse age-related disease and restore aging or damaged tissue to a more functionally healthy state. The approach is expected to remedy diseases of aging, such as retinopathies, neurodegenerative disorders, fibrosis, and cancer. 

The company’s lead drug candidate, UBX1325, is evaluated for the treatment of age-related diseases of the eye, including diabetic macular edema. The small molecule targets Bcl-xL, a protein that senescent cells rely on for survival. It is claimed that UBX1325 demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) across 48 weeks compared to sham treatment in the Phase II BEHOLD study in patients with DME. A Phase IIb study (ASPIRE) was enrolling patients with DME to evaluate UBX1325 head-to-head against aflibercept.

UNITY Biotechnology was also developing programs targeting the Tie2 signaling pathway for therapeutic benefit. Tie2 pathway activity declines with age and causes the loss of vascular barrier integrity and diseased blood vessel formation in the eye. The Tie2/VEGF bispecific molecule targets two pathways believed to be core to disease progression in DME and AMD. Another program directed at Tie2 activation is in preclinical studies for multiple indications.

The company's neurology programs intend to explore new mechanisms for cognitive benefit, and the company licensed its α-Klotho program, UBX2089, to Jocasta Neuroscience for development and commercialization in cognitive dysfunction associated with neurological and psychiatric conditions.