Junevity

Junevity is a biotechnology firm established in 2023 as a spin-off from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), focusing on the development of cell reset therapeutics to address age-related diseases. The company was co-founded by Dr. John Hoekman (CEO), Dr. Janine Sengstack (CSO), and Rob Cahill (COO). Dr. Sengstack's doctoral research in cellular aging at UCSF laid the scientific groundwork for the company's core technology. Dr. Hoekman brings drug development experience, having created the technology for an FDA-approved nasal spray during his own Ph.D. Cahill has a background in machine learning research at UCSF and was the founder and CEO of Jhana, which was acquired by FranklinCovey.

The company's central asset is its proprietary RESET™ platform, which utilizes large-scale human data and artificial intelligence to identify transcription factors that regulate cellular damage. Once identified, Junevity develops novel small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics designed to repress these specific transcription factors, aiming to restore cellular transcription to a healthier state. This 'Cell Reset' approach is engineered to treat the underlying biology of complex diseases associated with aging. The firm's business model involves advancing its own clinical programs while also forming partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to co-develop new cell reset siRNA therapeutics. Revenue generation is anticipated from the successful development and commercialization of these therapies.

Junevity's primary therapeutic focus is on conditions that affect a large portion of the global population, including Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and frailty. The company has announced preclinical data for its programs in Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The siRNA therapeutics are being developed for infrequent dosing, potentially every three to twelve months, which could enhance patient compliance. In February 2025, Junevity announced it had secured $10 million in seed funding led by Goldcrest Capital and Godfrey Capital to advance the RESET™ platform and its initial therapeutic candidates.

Keywords: cell reset therapeutics, longevity biotechnology, siRNA therapeutics, transcription factors, aging biology, UCSF spin-off, age-related diseases, RESET platform, artificial intelligence drug discovery, metabolic diseases, Type 2 diabetes treatment, obesity treatment, frailty, healthspan extension, cellular rejuvenation, preclinical biotechnology, John Hoekman, Janine Sengstack, Rob Cahill, Goldcrest Capital