Juvenescence has acquired drug discovery company Ro5, a move that enhances its AI/machine learning capabilities and improves research and development capabilities.
The acquisition forms a key part of Juvenescence's partnership with the Abu Dhabi global healthcare company M42, which was announced in April 2025.
Ro5’s platform utilises a biomedical knowledge graph containing more than 85 million nodes and 400m relationships to find new connections in biological processes and enable evaluation of drug targets based on therapeutic, biological and market potential.
Ro5’s AI Chemistry Platform also uses advanced machine learning models and cheminformatics tools for quick compound discovery and design from hit identification to lead optimisation.
Juvenescence CBE and CEO Dr Richard Marshall stated: “We are delighted to welcome the Ro5 team and the company’s capabilities into Juvenescence. The addition of Ro5’s AI platform significantly enhances our drug discovery capabilities, accelerating our efforts to identify and advance effective therapeutics to extend healthspan.
“This acquisition is also a critical part of our wider strategy with M42 to deliver a pipeline of transformative therapies and establish a world-class life sciences hub in Abu Dhabi. Together, we remain committed to improving the lives of millions of patients.”
The acquisition follows the recent announcement by Juvenescence of a $76m first close of its Series B-1 financing round, led by investor M42.
Follow-on investments came from existing investors, with the second close anticipated in the third quarter of 2025.
The funds will support clinical milestones along with AI-driven development across Juvenescence’s portfolio, targeting diseases related to ageing.
Incorporating Ro5’s AI platform into Juvenescence is expected to accelerate the development of AI-enabled treatments.
This integration will reinforce Juvenescence's pipeline in cardio-metabolism, cognition, immunity and cellular repair sectors.
Ro5 CEO Charles Dazler Knuff added: “Together with our partners at M42, we are laying the foundations for a pioneering life sciences ecosystem in Abu Dhabi that leverages AI innovation to transform patient care and global health outcomes.”
