Company

Cyclarity Therapeutics (formerly Underdog Pharmaceuticals)

Last updated Sat May 30 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

What it does

Cyclarity (rebranded from Underdog Pharmaceuticals 2022) develops modified cyclodextrins that selectively bind and remove 7-ketocholesterol — a toxic, oxidised cholesterol species that accumulates in atherosclerotic plaques and resists conventional clearance.

The approach is "damage-removal" rather than damage-prevention — trying to clear plaque content directly, complementing LDL-lowering that prevents new plaque.

Background

Cyclarity emerged from SENS Research Foundation, which funded the foundational work on 7-ketocholesterol and cyclodextrin chemistry. Aubrey de Grey and other SENS-network figures are involved.

State

Pre-clinical / early-clinical. First-in-human trials beginning in atherosclerosis indications.

Why it’s interesting

Represents the "damage repair" wing of geroscience that SENS has long advocated.
A different approach from the dominant LDL-lowering paradigm in atherosclerosis.
If successful, would be a true regression therapy rather than prevention.