Jocasta targets clinical trials of klotho-based therapy in 2026, building on technology licensed from Unity Bio.
While the recent demise of Unity Biotechnology came as a blow to the longevity field, its impact on the field will continue to be felt for many years to come, including through the work being conducted by Jocasta Neuroscience, which secured $35 million in Series A financing this week. The Scottsdale-based biotech is building on years of research connecting the longevity-linked α-klotho protein to healthier aging and preserved cognitive function, and licensed its technology from Unity.
Jocasta will use the new funding to advance its proprietary klotho protein therapeutic, JN-0413, a synthetic subcutaneous formulation designed to replenish declining klotho levels, aimed at managing cognitive impairment linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The company claims its approach is supported by data from genetic studies and preclinical work at five research institutions showing improvements in memory and cognition in multiple species, from rodents to non-human primates.
First discovered in 1997, klotho is produced naturally in the body but declines with age and chronic stress. Research in animals has shown that low levels accelerate aging and shorten lifespan, while elevated levels can extend life by up to 30 percent in certain experiments. The protein influences pathways tied to oxidative stress, mitochondrial function and inflammation, with animal studies showing benefits in tissue regeneration, physical performance and cognition.
In humans, higher klotho levels have been associated with better cognitive and physical outcomes in older adults, though clinical data remain early-stage. The KL-VS variant of the klotho gene, present in roughly a quarter of the population, naturally boosts protein levels and appears to reduce Alzheimer’s risk, even among carriers of the high-risk APOE4 allele.
Jocasta’s scientific foundation traces back to work by UCSF neurologist Dr Dena Dubal, whose lab demonstrated the cognitive benefits of klotho in multiple models. The technology was licensed to Unity in 2018 before being transferred to Jocasta, which now holds exclusive rights to advance the program.
Hailing the new investment, Jocasta CEO Albert Agro said that the funding round was “a testament to the potential of Klotho and the solid scientific foundation from Dr Dubal’s work at the University of California at San Francisco.”
According to Jocasta, the new funding round, led by True Ventures with participation from Moore Strategic Ventures, SC8 Investments, Glentura, Yagan Family Foundation and others, will support JN-0413 through an Investigational New Drug submission planned for late 2026 and into initial Phase 1 studies.
“Rather than treating symptoms, Jocasta is addressing the underlying biology with α-klotho — a protein pathway that’s shown remarkable potential but has been largely unexplored therapeutically,” said True Ventures’ Kevin Rose.
