Raphael Thys
Company intends to expand its network of longevity-focused precision medicine centers in the US and internationally.
Precision medicine company Human Longevity, Inc. (HLI) has successfully raised $39.8 million in an “upsized” Series B financing round to further develop its artificial intelligence-driven health risk and recommendation platform, and introduce new technologies and services related to longevity. Co-founded in 2013 by genomics pioneer Dr J Craig Venter, the company’s mission is to extend human health and performance beyond the traditional medical focus on treating illnesses.
San Francisco-based HLI, which leverages advanced technologies to extend human lifespan and healthspan, also plans to use the new funding to support global expansion of its clinics, with new sites planned beyond its current locations in the US. The company, which operates health assessment centers in San Francisco and San Diego, says it expects to open future locations in Europe, Asia, Saudi Arabia, and other GCC countries.
HLI, which recently announced a strategic partnership with the Chopra Foundation, aims to shift healthcare from a reactive approach to a more proactive, preventive, and personalized system. By continually analyzing health data from its clients, the company seeks to identify potential health issues early, enabling targeted interventions that can extend not only lifespan but also the period of healthy living, or healthspan.
Early detection of health risks such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders and metabolic conditions allows for timely intervention, which not only saves lives but can also help reduce overall healthcare costs. By catching potential health issues before they develop into serious conditions, HLI claims its approach offers the potential for better health outcomes and more efficient management of resources in the healthcare system.
At the core of HLI’s offering is the 100+ Longevity Care program, which is designed to detect early signs of age-related diseases and provide interventions aimed at increasing both healthspan and lifespan. The program uses a variety of tools to gather health data, including whole genome sequencing, advanced imaging techniques like whole-body and brain MRIs, comprehensive cardiac evaluations, body composition analyses, advanced blood biomarkers, and wearable devices. This combination of data and technology is designed to enable a highly personalized approach to health management, with the goal of reducing biological age and preventing disease.
Beyond its work with its clients, HLI is also focused on conducting longevity research, including a key study in 2020, which demonstrated how the integration of whole-genome sequencing, metabolomics, and advanced imaging can identify, and help mitigate, major health risks.
The Series B round, which exceeded its initial target, was led by TVM Capital Healthcare and saw participation from both new and existing investors, including Panacea Venture and Emerging Technology Partners.
Photograph: Angelov1/Envato