NewLimit Raises $130M for Age-Reversing Research | Brian Armstrong

NewLimit Secures $130 Million in Series B Funding

NewLimit, a company focused on extending human healthspan through cellular genetic reprogramming, has successfully closed a $130 million Series B funding round. The investment was spearheaded by Kleiner Perkins.

This funding round saw participation from new investors including Nat Friedman, Daniel Gross, and Khosla Ventures. Existing investors, such as Founders Fund, Dimension Capital, Elad Gil, Garry Tan, and Patrick Collison, also contributed to the raise.

Company Background and Progress

Established over four years ago, NewLimit was founded by Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, Blake Byers, a former partner at GV, and Jacob Kimmel, a professor specializing in stem cell research. The company asserts it has achieved substantial advancements in creating therapies designed to revitalize aged cells.

According to Jacob Kimmel, NewLimit has identified three potential drug candidates capable of reprogramming liver cells. Laboratory studies indicate that this rejuvenation process can restore the cells’ capacity to metabolize fats and alcohol effectively.

Evaluating Cellular Rejuvenation

The company’s methodology involves comparing the responses of cells from younger and older individuals to these substances. Kimmel explains that after undergoing NewLimit’s epigenetic reprogramming, older liver cells exhibit characteristics more akin to those of younger cells.

Despite these encouraging initial findings, human clinical trials are still several years away.

Leveraging AI in Drug Development

NewLimit intends to continue its research and development of anti-aging medications utilizing an AI model. The most promising drugs identified through machine learning will then be subjected to laboratory testing.

“The AI model enables us to conduct numerous experiments in a simulated environment, focusing our resources on the most viable candidates,” Kimmel stated. He further explained that experimental data is then used to refine the AI model in an iterative “lab in a loop” process.

Competition in the Longevity Biotech Space

NewLimit is not alone in pursuing lifespan-extending therapies. Other notable biotech startups in this field include:

• Retro Biosciences: This company secured $180 million from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and is reportedly seeking a $1 billion Series A investment.
• Altos Labs: Launched in 2022 with $3 billion in funding, Altos Labs is backed by Jeff Bezos.

These companies represent a growing interest and investment in the field of longevity research and the development of therapies aimed at extending healthy lifespans.