Perth biotechnology company Spartan Therapeutics says it plans to begin a human clinical trial in 2027 of a circular RNA platform designed to restore more youthful function in organs and tissues across the body.
The proposed systemic study would include skin and, according to the company, represent the first attempt to pursue multi-organ age reversal at a whole-body level using circRNA technology.
Spartan is developing an approach it calls tissue reprogramming, which uses circular RNA to deliver regenerative proteins and other molecules directly to major organs and tissues. The company argues the strategy could offer a safer, cheaper and faster path than partial cellular reprogramming, although it acknowledges the two approaches may ultimately be complementary.
Rather than seeking to make people look young again, the company said its objective is to prevent or reverse age-related functional decline and extend the period in which people remain healthy and independent.
“With declining birth rates and a rapidly growing older population, the current trajectory of healthcare costs is unsustainable,” said Raymond D. Palmer, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Spartan Therapeutics. “Preventing aging itself is the only feasible long-term pathway. Our circRNA technology delivers regenerative molecules that reprogram major organs and tissues to exhibit youthful biomarkers again. It is safer, cheaper and faster than partial cellular reprogramming, and this 2027 systemic trial will be the first attempt to reverse the age of human organs and tissues, including skin at the whole-body level. My sole concern as a scientist is keeping people healthy, youthful and independent, free from becoming a burden on the healthcare system or their families.”
Spartan said it holds intellectual property relating to circular RNA rejuvenation compositions and associated constructs. Preclinical work is under way ahead of the planned clinical study, with further information on the trial design, regulatory pathway and sites to be released following ethics and regulatory approvals.
The company said its longer-term aim is to place age-related conditions into durable remission, reducing the impact of chronic disease on individuals, families, health systems and governments.
