Juvena Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in tissue-restorative biologics, has entered a global licensing and multi-target research collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company. This strategic partnership aims to discover, develop, and commercialize innovative drug candidates that improve muscle health and body composition, addressing chronic muscle and metabolic diseases.
Central to this collaboration is Juvena’s proprietary platform, JuvNET—the world’s first fully integrated, AI-powered discovery engine designed to map the therapeutic potential of proteins secreted by human stem cells. Juvena will utilize JuvNET to identify novel, muscle-targeting biologics from its extensive library of stem cell-derived proteins. These drug candidates are intended to address conditions like obesity, frailty, and chronic metabolic diseases by improving muscle health and optimizing body composition.
“We are excited to showcase the capabilities of our AI-driven platform to rapidly discover protein-based therapies with significant potential to enhance healthspan,” said Dr. Hanadie Yousef, co-founder and CEO of Juvena Therapeutics. “Scientific evidence strongly supports the connection between muscle health and improved metabolism, mobility, and long-term disease prevention. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring forward therapies that address the root causes of chronic metabolic conditions.”
Dr. Jeremy O’Connell, co-founder and Chief Science Officer at Juvena, emphasized the urgency of the partnership’s goals: “Obesity now impacts one in eight people globally. By combining Lilly’s robust track record in metabolic disease research with Juvena’s expertise in stem cell-secreted proteins and AI-guided discovery, we have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in obesity care and muscle health.”
Under the agreement, Juvena will receive an upfront payment, equity investment, and be eligible for development and commercialization milestone payments. Lilly will receive exclusive global rights to selected lead candidates and will oversee their further development, regulatory advancement, and commercialization.
This collaboration marks a major milestone for Juvena Therapeutics, reinforcing its mission to transform the treatment landscape for chronic degenerative conditions through AI-enabled biologics discovery. By combining their strengths, Juvena and Lilly are poised to accelerate the development of next-generation therapies that promote healthier, longer lives.