Our History
Agnostic Approach Developed
We believe that the most important outcome of “slowing down aging” is life extension. We define life extension as a shift of the survival curve.
Because we did not know how to affect aging, we decided to test as many compounds as possible using the right model - long-lived female mice.
Our goal was for the first time in the history to find compounds with a life extension effect. When we obtain such substances, we will be able to commence research to understand the mechanisms through which they extend lifespan.
2008
Longevica Vision Established
Slowing down aging is important because it can lead to postponing and eliminating age-related diseases for millions of people
October 2009
Longevica Mice Study-1 Started
The Jackson Laboratory, CA (NCI)
20,000 long-lived female mice (B6C3F1/J strain)
1,033 well-characterized pharmacological compounds were tested (62 pharmacological classes)
Intervention started in five-month-old mice
Alexander Chikunov invested $13 M into the study
July 2013
3.5-year Experiment Was Completed (1406 days)
60 individual compounds showed life extension of >10%
5 out of 60 compounds showed a statistically significant life extension effect of 16-22%
1,033 survival curves on how compounds affected mice lifespan
2014
2 Classes with Life Extension Effect Were Identified
Having such big data, we identified 2 classes of compounds from 62 in total that showed a statistically significant correlation with life extension. This provided us with a clue to initiate an in-depth study of these 2 classes to understand HOW the mechanisms lead to life extension.
2009 Q2
We aim to achieve a deeper understanding of each of these 2 mechanisms and validate them through a proof of concept. For this, we are currently looking for money to expand our lab and faculty
Once we gain a clear understanding of at least one of these mechanisms, we can proceed with drug development.
We are seeking funding for the “Longevica Mice Study-2” which serves two purposes:
Retesting of the most promising substances from the first experiment
Proof of concept of hypotheses of 2 mechanisms of life extension
Additionally, we are in the process of launching a life extension product for pets
2014-2020
Study of These 2 Classes Resulted in Formulating Hypotheses about 2 Mechanisms of Life Extension
Over these 6 years, we have committed our efforts to studying these 2 classes and have identified 2 mechanisms of life extension. Furthermore, we have formulated hypotheses regarding how each of these mechanisms operates.
May 2020
First Patent in the United States
In 2020, Longevica received the first patent in the USA
2021-Present
Our Current Activity and Next Steps
More to Come
Meet Our Team
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Alexander Chikunov
FOUNDER AND CEO OF LONGEVICA
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Alexey Ryazanov
SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR