Jocasta Neuroscience is a company focused on improving longevity. Its main product is a special formulation of the protein alpha-Klotho, which may help treat cognitive issues linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The company recently raised $35 million in a Series A financing round. True Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm, led the funding, with contributions from Moore Strategic Ventures, SC8 Investments, Glentura, the Yagan Family Foundation, and others. Kevin Rose from True Ventures will join Dr. Michael Davidson, the Chair of the Board, and Dr. Albert Agro, the CEO, on the Board of Directors.
The money will be used to develop Jocasta’s alpha-Klotho compound, JN-0413, through early-stage testing, including single- and multiple-ascending dose studies. The company plans to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in the fourth quarter of 2026.
This technology was originally created at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) by Dr. Dena Dubal, MD, PhD. She is a professor of neurology and holds the David A. Coulter Endowed Chair in Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease. Dr. Dubal is also a co-founder of Jocasta. In 2018, the technology was licensed to Unity Biotechnology, a publicly traded company based in San Francisco. Unity worked on the Klotho protein for several years in different preclinical models before passing the Klotho intellectual property and data to Jocasta.
Jocasta is leading the way in developing a new treatment that enhances cognition through a protein called Klotho. This treatment has shown promising results in several species and cognitive tasks across various research institutions. Clinical trials for Jocasta’s Klotho formulation are set to begin within the next 18 months.
Co-founder Michael Davidson is key to the company’s mission of promoting longevity through Klotho. The team includes experts in neuroscience and drug development, such as Dr. Dubal, who will work closely with the management. Their goal is to advance the Klotho formulation through both early and late stages of research, aiming to help alleviate cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
KEY QUOTES:
“We were gratified by the exceptional investor interest during our raise and are delighted by the composition of the syndicate that includes both seasoned biotech investors as well as funds and individuals who believe our program has an opportunity to improve the lives of those who are stricken with cognitive decline — a testament to the potential of Klotho and the solid scientific foundation from Dr. Dubal’s work at the University of California at San Francisco.”
Albert Agro, PhD, CEO of Jocasta
“Having closely followed research in longevity for many years, we’re thrilled to back this founding team as they tackle cognitive decline through a fundamentally different approach. Rather than treating symptoms, Jocasta is addressing the underlying biology with alpha-Klotho — a protein pathway that’s shown remarkable potential but has been largely unexplored therapeutically. The team’s deep expertise in both the science and clinical realities of aging gives them a unique advantage in translating this research into meaningful interventions for neurodegenerative disease.”
Kevin Rose, partner at True Ventures and media personality
