Jocasta Neuroscience Secures $35 Million Series A Funding for Cognitive Health Innovations

On August 12, 2025, Jocasta Neuroscience, Inc., a biotech firm concentrated on longevity solutions, announced the completion of a substantial $35 million Series A financing round. The funding is earmarked for the advancement of its leading therapeutic, a proprietary formulation of the longevity protein a-Klotho, aimed at addressing cognitive impairments linked to neurodegenerative disorders.

Jocasta’s primary initiative is centered on the compound JN-0413, anticipated to undergo Phase 1 development, which includes both Single Ascending Dose and Multiple Ascending Dose studies. With plans to file an IND by the fourth quarter of 2026, the company is well-positioned to make significant strides against cognitive decline.

The financing round was spearheaded by True Ventures, a venture capital firm known for backing early-stage companies, and saw participation from several investors, such as Moore Strategic Ventures, SC8 Investments, and the Yagan Family Foundation. Among the notable figures joining Jocasta's Board of Directors is Kevin Rose from True Ventures, who brings invaluable insights into the intersection of health and technology.

The Science Behind a-Klotho

The pathway to developing a-Klotho as a therapeutic agent began at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), where Dr. Dena Dubal, an esteemed neurologist, and co-founder of Jocasta conducted pioneering research. The foundational work emphasized the significance of a-Klotho in both health and disease, establishing a strong basis for Jocasta's developmental focus.

Originally developed by Unity Biotechnology, Inc., the rights to the Klotho technology were transferred to Jocasta, setting the stage for their innovative approach. Dr. Dubal’s research demonstrated that a-Klotho enhances cognitive function across various species, highlighting its potential as a treatment for cognitive decline.