Mubadala invests in Swiss longevity firm Rejuveron

Rejuveron Life Sciences has closed a $75 million dual-tranche Series B equity and convertible loan financing. The syndicate was led by Catalio Capital Management and existing investor Apeiron Investment Group, with Mubadala Capital joining as a new investor.

Based in Zurich, Switzerland - Rejuveron is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies to tackle diseases of aging, and prolong health- and life-span. Proceeds from the financing will be used to expand and advance its portfolio of innovative medicines aimed at helping people age better and live longer.

Rejuveron has also acquired a stake in Boost Neuroscience, a cutting-edge brain synapse regeneration company that was developed by Nobel Prize winner and Venture Partner at Catalio, Dr Thomas Sudhof. The investment is part of the company's long-term strategy to support pioneers in the field of aging, supporting their mission to transform scientific discoveries into medicines.

Expansion to the Middle East

As part of the company's expanded strategic focus in the Middle East, Rejuveron will establish offices in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates). The move will enable Rejuveron to take a leading role in fostering the UAE's transformation into a hub of longevity research and innovation.

In line with this expansion, Rejuveron has initiated partnerships with local universities and hospitals to drive aging research in the region, including NYU Abu Dhabi, among others.

On the record

"The financing is a huge step forward and we are really excited about growing operational presence and links to the MENA region. The UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States have clearly outlined strategic objectives to advancing a healthcare system that encompasses longevity and preventative medicine," said Aksana Labokha, CEO of Rejuveron. "The MENA region has already seen several major announcements to propel longevity research and development. We believe that taking our place in this thriving ecosystem will help our development goals and invigorate healthcare delivery that is much needed to advance the cause of preventative medicine."

"We are delighted to back Rejuveron, a global leader in longevity science, in its pioneering mission to bring innovations that will help people lead healthier and longer lives. We hope our investment will contribute to turning this goal into a reality in the near future," added Alaa Halawa, Executive Director and Head of U.S. Ventures at Mubadala Capital Ventures.

The context

According to the "Longevity and Anti-senescence Therapy Market 2022" report, the global longevity and anti-senescence therapy market was valued at $25.1 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $44.2 billion by 2030 — growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2021 to 2030.

Meanwhile, recent figures show that the biotechnology sector in MENA is proliferating. According to a report by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the biotechnology market in the region is expected to reach $2.6 million by 2028, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia accounting for the largest share of the market.