UK biotech targets ageing cells in global longevity collaboration

A pioneering UK spinout tackling the biology of ageing has joined forces with beauty giant L’Oréal in a high-profile research partnership set to accelerate the development of cell reprogramming technologies.

SENISCA, a University of Exeter spinout company, is working at the frontier of cellular senescence - exploring how to reverse the decline of cells as they age. The company’s novel approach aims to restore healthy gene expression in aged cells, potentially transforming how age-related conditions and skin health are managed.

Now, SENISCA has been named as a key collaborator in L’Oréal’s newly launched Longevity Integrative Ecosystem - an initiative bringing together world-class expertise in longevity research. The partnership will harness SENISCA’s proprietary RNA-based platform to investigate ways of rejuvenating senescent cells, which are known to drive inflammation and age-associated dysfunction in tissues.

Professor Lorna Harries, SENISCA’s Chief Scientific Officer and molecular geneticist at the University of Exeter, said the collaboration marks a milestone in the company’s journey from academic discovery to global impact. “This is the culmination of nearly two decades of research into how cells age and how we might intervene,” she said: “It opens the door to potential innovations in both skin health and wider age-related disease research.”

SENISCA’s CEO, Dr Sarah Cole, described the deal as “a strong validation” of the company’s platform and a step towards broadening its therapeutic applications.

The University of Exeter, a Russell Group institution, has been instrumental in supporting SENISCA’s development from early-stage research to commercial partnership. The collaboration highlights the growing role of UK biotech spinouts in shaping global strategies for health and longevity.

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