Retro Biosciences expands Phase 1 trial to test higher doses of RTR-242

Retro Biosciences, a longevity venture funded by Sam Altman, is increasing the size of its Phase 1 safety trial for the oral compound RTR-242 from 76 to 108 volunteers. The expansion adds two new cohorts to explore higher dosage ranges after early results indicated tolerability but did not reveal the most effective dose. CEO Joe Betts LaCroix explained that pinpointing a dose that is both potent and safe remains challenging.

RTR-242 is designed to restore lysosomal acidity, thereby enhancing autophagy, a cellular cleanup process that weakens with age and is linked to diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. While the current study involves healthy adults aged 18 to 65, the company hopes the data will guide future testing in older individuals with cognitive decline. Researchers not involved in the trial note the approach is intriguing but still unproven in patients.