Minovia Therapeutics Ltd., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class mitochondrial therapies, has entered into a definitive business combination agreement with Launch One Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: LPAA) in a transaction that values Minovia at $180 million pre-money. The merger will create a publicly traded company focused on developing and commercializing Mitochondrial Augmentation Technology (MAT) to address diseases driven by mitochondrial dysfunction.
The combined entity will operate under the name Mito US One Ltd. and is expected to be listed on Nasdaq following the transaction's anticipated closure in the fourth quarter of 2025. Launch One's trust account currently holds approximately $239.7 million in cash, a portion of which may be available to the combined company following the transaction.
Clinical Progress and Regulatory Milestones
Minovia's lead product, MNV-201, has received both FDA Fast Track Designation and Rare Pediatric Disease designation for the treatment of Pearson Syndrome, an ultra-rare pediatric disorder. The company is currently conducting a Phase 2 trial for this indication while simultaneously running a Phase 1b study of MNV-201 in low-risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a chronic blood disorder linked to aging.
To date, Minovia has treated 23 patients across multiple conditions, including Pearson Syndrome, low-risk MDS, and neurological conditions such as Kearns-Sayre and Leigh syndromes. According to the company, patients have experienced significant outcomes including increased body weight and growth, restored mobility, kidney function, and hematologic stability. The treatment demonstrated safety with no drug-product related adverse responses.
"Minovia is pioneering a new category of mitochondrial therapy that targets the root cause of disease and aging — mitochondrial failure," said Natalie Yivgi-Ohana, Ph.D., Minovia Co-Founder and CEO. "Our research has already demonstrated durable safety and life-changing impact in patients, including children with genetic mitochondrial disease and older adults with hematologic and kidney dysfunction."
Technology Platform and Market Opportunity
Minovia's MAT platform is designed to enrich diseased cells with healthy and functional mitochondria, effectively recharging cellular energy production. The approach targets mitochondrial dysfunction, which contributes to neurodegenerative, metabolic, and kidney diseases, as well as muscle weakness, anemia, and immune system decline.
The company believes it is positioned to become a leader in the $1+ trillion longevity and regenerative medicine market with what it describes as the first clinical-stage mitochondrial cell therapy for aging-related dysfunction. Minovia plans to launch MAT-based offerings through global longevity clinic partnerships beginning in 2026.
Preclinical data shows that MAT reverses biological aging markers and improves cognition and mobility in aged mice, according to the company. This data, combined with clinical results, forms the foundation for what Minovia believes could be a scalable mitochondrial regenerative medicine franchise.
Manufacturing and Commercial Strategy
Chris Ehrlich, Launch One Acquisition Corp. CEO, noted that "the company is advancing toward pivotal trials and we expect it will be bringing U.S.-based GMP manufacturing online by the end of 2025, allowing it to scale both its rare disease and longevity programs globally."
The transaction is expected to provide Minovia with additional capital to facilitate accelerating its growth and development pipeline, including reaching clinical and regulatory milestones, technology transfer, and the eventual commercial launch of longevity-focused offerings from its MAT platform.
Transaction Structure
The Business Combination Agreement assigns Minovia a pre-money equity valuation of $180 million, which will be increased by additional proceeds from a bridge financing of at least $5 million to be completed within 30 days of signing. Minovia equity holders are eligible to potentially receive additional shares worth $57.5 million in the aggregate as an earnout after the closing.
The parties are currently anticipating at least $18 million in PIPE investments at closing, in addition to remaining cash held in Launch One's trust account after shareholder redemptions. The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and shareholder approvals.
