MitoRx raises $5 million to advance mitochondrial dysfunction therapeutics
Author: Danny Sullivan | Published on: December 13, 2023 | Last updated: December 13, 2023

Early data shows company’s lead asset ‘preserves strength in oxidative muscle and confirms mitochondrial modulation.’
British longevity biotech MitoRx Therapeutics has concluded a seed extension financing round, bringing total funding in the company to £4 million ($5 million). The company is developing medications to arrest the advancement of degenerative diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.

Headquartered in Oxford, UK, MitoRx is working on orally delivered mitochondrial protective therapeutics targeting mitochondrial dysfunction linked to the progression of conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Huntington’s disease, along with other neurodegenerative diseases. The company says the new funding will be allocated towards its preclinical work in Huntington’s disease, activating its first neurodegenerative disease program, and exploring research collaborations and partnerships.

MitoRx anticipates delivering preclinical results in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, and COPD next year.

“Interim results in our Duchenne program demonstrate that our muscle-penetrative lead asset preserves strength in oxidative muscle, and confirms mitochondrial modulation,” said Dr Christine Charman, Chief Development Officer at MitoRx. “These results will be presented at the Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinical and Scientific Conference in Orlando during March 2024.”

MitoRx’s academic founder, University of Exeter professor Matt Whiteman, recently presented research at the Annual Meeting of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society, which demonstrated anti-fibrotic activity and confirmed the preservation of lung function in a model of COPD. Professor Whiteman and collaborators have previously demonstrated neuroprotection in a mammalian model of Alzheimer’s disease through the restoration of sulfide-signaling.
“We are the first biotech to reverse the impairment in sulfide-signaling driving mitochondrial dysfunction, which underlies the pathophysiology of degenerative disease in muscular dystrophy as well as the dementias,” said Dr Jon Rees, CEO of MitoRx. “This seed extension financing round enables us to advance a lead asset toward the clinic and provides a firm foundation to secure a Series A to take us to the clinic within two years. We are also seeking partners to develop our assets which demonstrate anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties in COPD and other respiratory diseases.”

The new funding was provided by investors including the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund, Wren Capital, Longevitytech.fund, the Fink Family Office, the Science Angel Syndicate Network, Oxford Technology Management, and other angel investors.

“MitoRx’s approach to mitochondrial dysfunction will potentially develop a treatment for degenerative diseases that have a hugely harmful impact,” said Oliver Sexton, Investment Director at the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund. “Such diseases affect both young and elderly patients who desperately need more treatment options.”

MitoRx raises $5 million to advance mitochondrial dysfunction therapeutics