In its Series B equity financing round, Unity Biotechnology raised $116 million. This invested capital includes funds from ARCH Venture Partners, Baillie Gifford, Fidelity Management and Research Company, Partner Fund Management and Venrock; Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos also provided investments through Bezos Expeditions. Unity Biotechnology will use this funding toward clinical trials related to senescent cells, or cells related to aging.
In Business Insider, Unity Biotechnology founder and chief scientific officer Ned David noted that as humans age, they become at risk for conditions like osteoporosis, macular degeneration and atherosclerosis. Unity Biotechnology is studying whether clearing out senescent cells can help individuals stay healthier for a longer period of time, even into old age. At present, senescent cell treatments have been studied with mice; however, the startup plans to begin human trials.
The first trials will focus on treatments for age-related diseases like inflammatory joint diseases and diseases that affect the eye.
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