Epigenetics: Rewriting the Future of Aging

Epigenetics is a rapidly advancing field that is drawing significant investment, as it helps to reveal the causes of aging and exposes druggable targets for reversing and preventing cancer and age-related diseases.

Why Epigenetics Matters

The field of epigenetics is progressing quickly, presenting a novel and exciting approach for precision medicine by altering gene expression with high precision and reversibility without changing the underlying DNA sequence.

State of Play

Recent investments in the development of epigenetic therapeutics highlight growing confidence and the anticipated potential in the market.

• Chroma Medicine has recently secured $135 million in Series B funding. GV (formerly Google Ventures) led the new fundraising round to focus on epigenetic genome editing to precisely target disease-related genes.
• Epic Bio, founded by CRISPR pioneer Stanley Qi, has raised $55 million in Series A funding.
• Grail, a biotech company controversially acquired by Illumina, has designed a test for detecting more than 50 cancers using DNA circulating in the bloodstream.

Innovation at the Forefront

The potential of epigenetics to reverse aging and prevent disease is one of the field’s most exciting prospects.

• Life Biosciences is exploring the manipulation of epigenetic factors, aiming to decipher and reverse the aging process.
• Turn Biotechnologies is going after epigenetic reprogramming, targeting specific cell types to combat diseases and repair age-damaged tissues.

Roadblocks Ahead

Epigenetic therapies hold significant promise but face distinct challenges.

• Precise control over epigenetic modifications must be achieved without unintended consequences.
• Ethical considerations, including long-term effects, equitable access, and the societal implications of life extension, raise significant questions.
• Public understanding and trust are pivotal. Achieving both will require effective communication to address concerns and misconceptions about genetic interventions.

The Bottom Line

New epigenetic medicines are at the forefront of innovation, designed to precisely regulate gene expression levels with high specificity over defined periods of time. Although clinical development in epigenetics is just beginning, significant progress is highly anticipated over the next decade.

Stay in the Know

New to biotech? Don’t know where to begin? If you haven’t had a science class since high school or college the perfect starting point is our on-demand class, The Biology of Biotech. Get up to speed quickly on basic biotech science, including epigenetics.