Mitotech Pharma Société Anonyme

Mitotech is a biotech company that is focused on developing therapies targeting excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are harmful byproducts of mitochondrial energy production.

The company aims to address the issue of mitochondrial dysfunction, which occurs during the aging process and leads to increased ROS production. Mitotech’s therapies aim to improve mitochondrial function and reduce the levels of ROS, which can cause damage to mitochondrial DNA and contribute to aging.

While there are certain molecules that can counteract ROS in a controlled environment, safeguarding our mitochondria from oxidative stress-induced harm has historically been challenging. This is primarily due to the fact that these molecules disperse throughout the entire body but fail to attain sufficient levels within the mitochondria. However, one of their drugs potentially tackles this very issue, thereby effectively controlling various critical pathologies that stem from subsequent biological processes.

Neurodegenerative disorders

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered type of cell death caused by iron and lipid peroxidation. It is not the same as apoptosis. Recent studies show that ferroptosis is important in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. Mitotech is creating a special molecule to target ferroptosis in mitochondria, which is where it starts. Their compound aims to protect the lipids in mitochondria from peroxidation. This stops the chain reaction of ferroptosis in neurons that control movement and produce dopamine.

Metabolic disorders

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common liver disease that is increasing worldwide. Oxidative stress in mitochondria is a major factor in NASH and may cause the disease. Ferroptosis, triggered by oxidative stress, is believed to contribute to inflammation in NASH. Their drug candidate for NASH aims to stop the peroxidation of mitochondrial lipids, preventing ferroptosis and the development of NASH. Although there have been advances in treating obesity with new drugs, the role of mitochondria in metabolism has not been explored. This drug candidate aims to improve mitochondrial function and restore metabolic processes in the body.

By targeting this specific aspect of mitochondrial health, Mitotech aims to develop treatments that can potentially slow down the aging process and improve overall health.