Life Biosciences, a developer of partial epigenetic reprogramming therapies to treat age-related diseases, has raised $80M in Series D funding. The fully subscribed round will support the Phase 1 clinical trial of lead candidate ER-100 for optic neuropathies and advance the company's platform across additional indications. ER-100 delivers OSK transcription factors via AAV2 to reverse epigenetic aging in retinal ganglion cells.
Q1 Longevity Funding Reaches $3.74B
Life Biosciences closed its round amid a record $3.74B poured into longevity biotech across 41 deals in Q1 2026, averaging $91.2M per transaction per Longevity.Technology. Competitors like Retro Biosciences raised $1B in February 2026, while Altos Labs launched with $3B in 2022 seed funding. This surge follows FDA clearance for Life Biosciences' first-in-human partial reprogramming trial, signaling investor conviction in clinical-stage rejuvenation tech. The timing positions ER-100 as a frontrunner in a field shifting from preclinical to trials.
Epigenetic Changes Fuel Optic Damage
Optic neuropathies like open-angle glaucoma and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy destroy retinal ganglion cells through accumulated epigenetic aging. Current treatments slow progression but cannot reverse cell damage or restore vision. Life Biosciences targets this root cause with partial reprogramming, restoring younger epigenetic states without full dedifferentiation risks.
OSK Reprogramming Restores Cell Youth
The company's platform uses three Yamanaka factors—Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 (OSK)—to partially reprogram cells, rejuvenating function while avoiding tumor risk. Preclinical nonhuman primate studies showed OSK restoring visual function, axon health, and epigenetic profiles in aged optic nerves per company pipeline. ER-100, an AAV2-OSK vector, earned FDA IND clearance for Phase 1 (NCT07290244), making Life Biosciences the first to reach human trials for this approach.
As CSO Sharon Rosenzweig-Lipson, PhD noted:
"These results bring us closer to pioneering a new class of epigenetic therapies that can modify the biology of aging itself."
This differentiates from mRNA-focused peers like Turn Biotechnologies ($200M+ raised), which target skin and muscle.
Strategic Investors Back Clinical Push
The $80M extends runway into H2 2027 for ER-100 dosing and platform expansion into metabolic and liver diseases per press release. Prior rounds include $82M Series C in 2022 and $50M Series B in 2019. Strong participation underscores belief in partial reprogramming's multi-disease potential, validated by partnerships like SingHealth Duke-NUS REMEDIS.
Longevity Market Grows to $34.8B
The longevity biotech sector stands at $23.2B in 2026, projected to reach $34.82B by 2030 at 11% CAGR according to ResearchAndMarkets. Peers NewLimit ($202M) and Retro Biosciences ($1.18B total) remain preclinical, while Rejuvenate Bio published OSK lifespan data recently. Life Biosciences leads clinically, with ER-100 addressing unmet needs in vision loss affecting millions.
Sinclair's Expertise Powers Platform
Chairman and co-founder David Sinclair, PhD, brings unmatched credentials: his lab pioneered OSK reprogramming, and he co-founded Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, acquired by GSK for $720M in 2008 per leadership page. Sinclair has published 200+ papers on aging and holds 50+ patents. CEO Jerry McLaughlin adds serial exits from Neos Therapeutics and others. This team blend of science and operations secured FDA clearance and drives Phase 1.
Phase 1 Dosing Set for 2026
Funds enable ER-100 Phase 1 initiation in optic neuropathy patients, with operations through 2027. Recent nonhuman primate data presented at AAO and NANOS2026 bolsters trial rationale. Platform expansion targets MASH and beyond, leveraging universal epigenetic mechanisms.