#Israel #Drug Discovery #ProFuse Technology #Muscle Loss #Yokneam Illit

ProFuse Technology: A Game Changer in Muscle Preservation

In recent advancements in biotechnology, Israeli startup ProFuse Technology has taken a significant step forward in combating muscle loss with its new drug discovery platform. Launched on April 3, 2025, this pioneering technology aims to address the growing concern over muscle wasting, particularly due to factors like aging, cancer, and the increasing use of GLP-1 weight-loss injections.

Understanding the Technology Behind ProFuse

ProFuse has developed cutting-edge methods for creating mature muscle tissues in laboratory settings that closely mimic the structure and functionality of natural human muscles. This innovation serves as a foundation for discovering new pharmaceutical candidates tailored towards preventing muscle loss. The startup's proprietary technology employs advanced automation to conduct efficient screening of potential drugs, streamlining the research process significantly.

What sets ProFuse apart from traditional models is the precision and reliability of its muscle tissue systems, which reduce the need for extensive animal testing that conventional methodologies often depend upon. By facilitating the testing of numerous drug candidates swiftly and accurately, ProFuse not only accelerates drug discovery but also minimizes resource expenditure.

Addressing a Growing Health Concern

The urgency for therapies that preserve muscle mass is escalating rapidly. The anticipated rise in the usage of GLP-1 weight-loss medications is expected to be remarkable, yet these drugs can lead to unintended muscle deterioration, posing serious health risks. Furthermore, sarcopenia—age-related muscle loss—affects an estimated 10% to 16% of people over 50. With the number of Americans affected ranging from 13 million to 20 million, the implications are dire, emphasizing the need for effective treatments.

Moreover, cancer cachexia—a wastage condition prevalent among advanced cancer patients—compounds the issue. This illness leads to drastic muscle depletion, physical impairment, and hampered treatment efficacy.

ProFuse's Founding and Vision

ProFuse was established in 2021 by noted scientists Professor Eldad Tzahor and Dr. Tamar Eigler-Hirsh from the Weizmann Institute of Science, alongside CEO Guy Nevo-Michrowski. The team focused on unraveling the natural mechanisms driving muscle repair and regeneration, leading to the creation of their revolutionary muscle cultivation technology.

Over its four-year journey, ProFuse has built a reputation in the cultivated meat sector, recently diversifying its focus to drug discovery. This shift not only signifies growth but also validates the utility of their advanced muscle cultivation methodologies in broader applications.

Leadership Expansion and Industry Insight

In conjunction with their recent technological advancements, ProFuse has welcomed Anat Naschitz to its Board of Directors. Naschitz, a seasoned investor with a profound background in life sciences, brings invaluable experience managing and investing in biotech ventures. Her involvement is indicative of ProFuse's potential and the industry’s recognition of its innovative approach.

In a statement reflecting on ProFuse's journey, Naschitz expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to finding solutions for muscle mass preservation—a key clinical challenge. “ProFuse is well-positioned in an industry ripe for innovative therapies that meld weight-loss drugs with muscle-preserving solutions,” she stated, highlighting the potential for substantial financial transactions in this burgeoning sector.

CEO Guy Nevo-Michrowski concurred, indicating that the strategic timing for entering the market is propitious. The intersection of weight-loss drugs and muscle preservation therapies has already driven significant investment, and ProFuse is poised to navigate this landscape adeptly.

Future Prospects and Funding

Granting a glimpse into its financial backing, ProFuse began under the Fresh Start incubator and has successfully raised approximately $8 million thus far. This financial backing includes $3 million in grants from established entities like the European Union and the Israel Innovation Authority, as well as investments from reputable funds such as OurCrowd and Green Circle Capital, alongside individual investors.

In conclusion, ProFuse Technology is not just a startup but a beacon of hope in the fight against muscle loss. Its innovative drug discovery platform symbolizes a significant advancement with profound implications for public health, particularly for aging populations battling sarcopenia, and patients facing muscle-wasting conditions due to cancer. As ProFuse navigates its journey towards transforming muscle therapy, it will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of regenerative medicine and drug discovery.