Swiss biotech startup Cellvie, founded in 2018 as a spinout from Harvard Medical School, has raised $5 million to develop mitochondria-based therapeutics targeting conditions caused by cellular energy failure.

The recent funding round was led by Taiho Ventures and included investments from Kizoo Technology Capital and Beiersdorf Venture Capital, the latter reflecting the skin care giant's interest in longevity and aging research.

Cellvie aims to establish mitochondria transplantation as a therapeutic platform for high-burden, age-related diseases, with long-term plans to explore applications like mitochondria-enabled gene delivery and aging interventions.

Initially, the company is targeting ischemia-reperfusion injury, especially in kidney transplantation, where mitochondrial damage from blood supply return causes complications such as delayed graft function and limits donor organ availability.

Cellvie is preparing for clinical trials of its lead program in kidney transplants, with plans to transfer its mitochondria preparation process to a GMP-compliant manufacturing partner to enable Phase I/IIa trials.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury affects over three million patients annually in the US and Europe, and success in kidney transplantation could open doors for broader applications in other organ transplants and cardiovascular procedures.

The company's approach involves using off-the-shelf mitochondria derived from human cell lines to restore or enhance cellular energy metabolism, addressing mitochondrial dysfunction in both acute and age-related diseases.

Beiersdorf, known for brands like NIVEA and La Prairie, has been active in strategic longevity investments, including partnerships with biotech firms working on cellular aging and skin longevity products.