Longevity Startup Retro Biosciences Raises Funding at $1.8 Billion Valuation

Retro Biosciences raised funding at a $1.8 billion valuation, announced May 22, 2026. The longevity startup, backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, aims to add 10 healthy years to the human lifespan using gene and cell replacement therapies. Retro is running its first clinical trial testing an Alzheimer's pill designed to clear protein aggregates, with data expected around August 2026.

Retro Biosciences funding round

• ▪Retro Biosciences raised funding at a $1.8 billion valuation, announced on May 22, 2026.
• ▪Retro Biosciences is backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

Longevity research mission

• ▪Retro Biosciences is using in vivo gene therapies to spur younger, healthier cells into aging tissues.
• ▪Retro Biosciences has a mission to add 10 healthy years to the human lifespan.

Alzheimer's clinical trial

• ▪Retro Biosciences anticipates releasing data from the Alzheimer's trial around August 2026.
• ▪Retro Biosciences is running its first clinical trial testing a pill designed to enhance the body's ability to clear out protein aggregates in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
• ▪Researchers in the Retro Biosciences Alzheimer's trial have not seen any dose-limiting toxicities.
• ▪Retro Biosciences CEO Joe Betts-LaCroix stated on May 20, 2026 at STAT's Breakthrough Summit West that the Alzheimer's trial is going "super good".

1 source