Sirtuin Platform

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At Sirtris, our focus is on the sirtuins, a family of seven NAD+-dependent, protein deacetylase enzymes associated with the aging process. The discovery of the first human sirtuin, SIRT1, resulted from research into the health benefits and life extension seen in multiple species on calorie-restricted diets. Rats, mice, dogs and non-human primates on calorie-restricted diets are healthier and live longer.

Calorie restriction, as well as other metabolic stress, has been shown to have multiple physiological and biochemical effects including the activation of SIRT1. Our goal is to mimic the beneficial effects of calorie restriction by developing small molecule SIRT1 activators.

Preclinical studies with SIRT1 activators have demonstrated potential importance in multiple disease areas, including Type 2 Diabetes and related complications, cardiovascular, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.

While SIRT1 was the first in this family of enzymes to be discovered, considerable research is also under way on other members in this family, SIRTs 2-7. Their involvement in a variety of disease pathways suggests that the sirtuin family of enzymes represents an attractive portfolio of potential drug targets.

+Potential Disease Area Applications

Sirtris’ discovery efforts benefit from integrated teams focused on sirtuin biology, medicinal chemistry, clinical and translational medicine, and drug product process development and formulation. We have also formed important research partnerships with investigators in the academic community as well as other groups within GSK, sharing sirtuin modulators to develop new disease pathway knowledge. If you would like to partner with Sirtris in a research collaboration, please email collaboration@sirtrispharma.com.