Life Biosciences has raised $80m in a Series D financing to support early-stage clinical development of its gene therapy candidate ER-100 and expand its ageing-focused research platform.

The funding will support operations into the second half of 2027, including a Phase 1 trial evaluating ER-100 in patients with optic neuropathies such as open-angle glaucoma and non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.

Optic neuropathies are driven by damage to retinal ganglion cells, which do not naturally regenerate, leading to permanent vision loss. Existing treatments do not address this underlying degeneration, creating demand for therapies that can protect or restore neuronal function.

Life Biosciences is developing ER-100 using its partial epigenetic reprogramming platform, which aims to restore aged or damaged cells to a more functional state. The approach uses gene expression to influence cell behaviour, targeting biological mechanisms linked to ageing.

The ongoing Phase 1 study will assess safety and tolerability, alongside exploratory measures of visual function. The company has not disclosed timelines for data readouts.

Jerry McLaughlin, chief executive officer of Life Biosciences, said: “This support enables us to advance our lead program, ER-100, through key clinical milestones while continuing the expansion of our pipeline, positioning Life Bio to deliver disease-modifying solutions for patients.”

The financing reflects continued investor interest in therapies targeting ageing-related disease mechanisms, although clinical validation for epigenetic reprogramming approaches remains at an early stage.

Life Biosciences said its platform focuses on modifying the epigenome using three transcription factors to improve cell function. The company is exploring applications across multiple disease areas linked to ageing.

The announcement is a company-led update and does not include clinical data. The significance of the funding will depend on whether ER-100 can demonstrate safety and early signs of efficacy in human studies.