Health
Retro Biosciences expands early-stage trial for Alzheimer's drug candidate to test higher doses
The Sam Altman-backed longevity startup is increasing enrollment after initial safety testing showed no major side effects.
The short version
- Retro Biosciences is expanding its Phase 1 clinical trial for the experimental drug candidate RTR 242 from 76 to 108 participants in Australia.
- The extra enrollment allows the startup to test higher dosage levels after initial trials in healthy volunteers produced no major side effects or safety signals.
- The drug aims to restore lysosomal acidity to clear cellular buildup associated with neurodegenerative diseases, but it has not yet been tested on people with Alzheimer's.
Key facts
- Retro Biosciences is expanding enrollment in its Phase 1 clinical trial for its experimental drug RTR 242 from 76 to 108 participants.[Business Insider]
- The Phase 1 trial in Australia is testing the drug on healthy volunteers aged 18 to 65 to evaluate safety and determine an optimal dosage.[Business Insider]
- CEO Joe Betts-LaCroix stated that initial testing yielded no major side effects or safety signals, prompting the addition of two higher-dose cohorts.[Business Insider]
- RTR 242 is designed to target lysosomes to restore cellular recycling processes that decline with age and neurodegenerative conditions.[Business Insider]
- Retro Biosciences is a longevity startup backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.[Business Insider]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unknown whether RTR 242 will prove effective or safe in older adults with cognitive decline or dementia, as it has only been tested on healthy participants.[Business Insider]
- The company has not disclosed the timeline or location for moving the drug into Phase 2 clinical trials.[Business Insider]