Northstrive Biosciences Inc., a subsidiary of PMGC Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ELAB), has announced the initiation of Phase II of its AI Development Program with strategic partner Yuva Biosciences, Inc. The collaboration focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to discover and develop novel pharmaceutical treatments for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiometabolic conditions.
AI-Driven Mitochondrial Drug Discovery
The partnership centers on MitoNova™, YuvaBio's proprietary mitochondrial science-focused artificial intelligence platform. Phase II of the collaboration involves compiling a selection of small molecule candidates that promote mitochondrial health in obesity and cardiac diseases.
YuvaBio will use MitoNova™ to virtually screen a large-scale library of diverse, drug-like small molecules and predict which candidates are most likely to promote mitochondrial health. The platform provides an integrated suite of AI-enabled tools that analyze vast datasets and explore compound libraries across multiple dimensions of chemical and bioactivity properties.
Following the virtual screening, YuvaBio will analyze results including chemical and bioactivity properties to highlight opportunities for biological validation. The company will then compile an initial list of synthetic compounds for muscle preservation and metabolic health.
Targeting Root Causes of Metabolic Disease
MitoNova leverages a proprietary mitochondrial database and leading-edge AI models to identify compounds that target the root cause of aging and related conditions at the cellular level. Research teams can utilize the platform to assess key factors such as bioavailability and safety to accelerate the transition from target discovery to biological validation.
"We are believers in leveraging AI to guide our drug development efforts and view mitochondrial health as a foundational pillar," said Deniel Mero, Co-Founder of Northstrive Biosciences. "YuvaBio is the ideal partner for this collaboration, and we expect it to lead to the identification of several novel targets that may form the basis of differentiated cardiometabolic drug programs."
Financial Structure and Lead Asset
Under the agreement, Yuva will receive an upfront fee upon entry into the partnership and payments based on initiation and completion of program phases. The company will also receive developmental milestone payments and royalties on net sales of therapeutic cardiac disease and obesity products from Northstrive that contain the final shortlist of promising compounds identified through the program.
Northstrive's lead asset, EL-22, leverages an engineered probiotic approach to address obesity's pressing issue of preserving muscle while on weight loss treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists. This approach complements the AI-driven discovery program by targeting muscle preservation during metabolic interventions.
Company Positioning
Northstrive Biosciences focuses on the development and acquisition of cutting-edge aesthetic medicines as part of PMGC Holdings Inc.'s diversified portfolio. Yuva Biosciences positions itself as a longevity company harnessing mitochondrial science to address aging-related concerns including hair loss, skin wrinkles, and conditions driven by declining mitochondrial function.
