Our Science
Aging-related diseases, Senescent cells and SASPs
In recent years, aging-related diseases have been increasingly linked to the accumulation of senescent cells. These cells lose their ability to divide but remain active, secreting pro-inflammatory molecules through the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). The SASP drives chronic inflammation, disrupts tissue function, and contributes to age-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders. The presence of senescent cells and their SASP create a cycle of inflammation and tissue damage that accelerates aging and disease progression.
Sources: Kirkland JL et al EBioMedicine 2017; 21: 21-8. He S and Sharpless N Cell 2017; 169: 1000-11. Tchkonia T et al. J Clin Invest 2013; 123(3): 966-72. Zhu Y et al. Aging Cell 2015; 14: 644-58. da Silva PFL et al. Aging Cell 2019; 18 (1): e12848. Coppé JP et al. Annu Rev Pathol 2010; 5: 99-118. Nelson G et al. Aging Cell 2012; 11(2): 345-9
Senolytics
Senolytics offer a promising therapeutic solution by targeting senescent cells without harming healthy ones and stimulating physiological tissue regeneration.
Current Senolytics therapies were limited by significant toxicity, including hematological issues. Additionally, their lack of selectivity could have lead to off-target effects, damaging healthy cells and reducing their overall therapeutic benefit.
Sources: Kirkland JL and Tchkonia T, J Intern Med. 2020 Nov; 288(5):518-536. Xu M et al., Nat Med. 2018 Aug; 24(8):1246-1256. Ovadya Y and Krizhanovsky V, J Clin Invest. 2018 Apr 2; 128(4):1247-1254.
1. Senolytic Drugs
FlavoLife’s drug candidates are pan-senolytics, designed to target a broad range of cell types and address multiple causes of cellular senescence. Currently, there are no available pan-senolytics or senolytic therapies that act on the underlying mechanisms of cellular senescence. FlavoLife aims to pioneer this space, offering a more comprehensive approach to combating the effects of aging and age-related diseases.
The innovative senolytic compounds developed by FlavoLife originate from a proprietary platform of small molecules based on a natural flavonoid scaffold. Using a hybrid process combining biology, computational methods, and iterative medicinal chemistry, a library of highly manageable pharmaceutical compounds has been created. These compounds feature an extended therapeutic window up to 500 times the biologically active dose and an estimated toxic dose more than 30 times that of the natural scaffold.
2. Senolytic Medical Foods
Senolytic mode of action, supporting nutrition of oncology patients
In Oncology, a direct relationship between most chemotherapies, their side effects and cellular senescence has been established.
Most of the chemotherapies used in the most important cancer types are actually inducing senescence.
These senescent cells remain chronically present in tissues and promote local and systemic inflammation, that actually exacerbates the side effects of chemotherapy themselves.
Therefore, senescent cells have been recognized as a target for reduction of chemotherapy toxicity
Sources: Mod. from Saleh T et al. Cancers 2020; 12(4): 822. Demaria M et al. Cancer Discov. 2017 Feb;7(2):165-176.
Adjumax, designed for Breast Cancer Patients
FlavoLife has developed the first platform of innovative senolytic medical foods, starting for cancer. Recent data readouts have proved that the metabolism of chemotherapy drugs is not affected by Medical Foods, and no food-drug interactions are expected.
Our first product, Adjumax is meant for breast cancer patients. Adjumax supports reducing toxicity generated by chemotherapies and is composed by natural ingredients used at safe dosages.
Adjumax is currently undergoing a Phase 2 clinical trial.
A comprehensive portfolio to develop in both oncology and chronic disease areas.
We have identified a wide range of indications where our senolytic mix can deliver meaningful benefits to patients. Our initial focus will be on major solid tumors with a high patient burden, followed by chronic diseases primarily affecting the kidney and liver.