Virella Files European Patent Application for Novel SIRT6 Small-Molecule Activators
Virella Sirtuin 6 Longevity
Liechtenstein-based biotech company reports significant lifespan extension in C. elegans and advances toward preclinical development with CRO partners
SCHAAN, LIECHTENSTEIN, April 3, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Virella Ltd, a European biotech company developing small-molecule SIRT6 activators, has filed a European Patent Application covering its proprietary compound series targeting the Sirtuin 6 enzyme. The filing marks a key milestone as the company advances toward preclinical studies with contract research partners.
SIRT6 is an NAD+-dependent deacylase enzyme with established roles in DNA repair, genomic stability, metabolic regulation, and cellular aging. Despite growing scientific interest, no SIRT6-targeting therapeutics have reached clinical development to date.
Peer-Reviewed Publication and Novel Chemistry
Virella's compound series is based on a novel chemical scaffold derived from systematic medicinal chemistry exploration. More than two years of work at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, produced hundreds of analogs. The structure-activity relationships and lead compounds were published in ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters in March 2026.
"We built a compound series with the strongest reported SIRT6 activation in the literature," said Andraz Zurman, Co-Founder and Head of Business Development at Virella. "The patent filing protects this work as we move into preclinical development."
Significant Lifespan Extension in C. elegans
In collaboration with Prof. Uros Petrovic and his team at the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Virella completed in vivo longevity studies in Caenorhabditis elegans, the standard model organism for aging research. Multiple compounds were tested with sample sizes of 300 to 900 animals per group across independent experimental series.
Results showed clean toxicology profiles up to high concentrations across all tested compounds. The lead compound demonstrated significant lifespan extension and outperformed both resveratrol and rapamycin, which were used as positive controls.
"Consistent in vivo results across independent series, in a validated aging model. That gives us confidence to move forward," said Zurman.
Academic Collaborations and Preclinical Pathway
Virella's research program is built on close collaborations with three faculties at the University of Ljubljana:
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology: medicinal chemistry and compound design
- Biotechnical Faculty: in vivo longevity studies in C. elegans
- Faculty of Pharmacy: solubility, cytotoxicity, and permeability profiling
The company is concluding ADME studies and working with contract research organizations on pharmacokinetic studies and cellular assay programs. Additional academic studies are ongoing.
Therapeutic Pipeline
Virella's pipeline addresses four therapeutic areas linked to SIRT6 biology: longevity, oncology, osteoarthritis, and metabolic diseases. The European Patent Application filed in March 2026 covers the compound series across these indications.
About Virella Ltd
Virella Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Liechtenstein developing novel small-molecule therapeutics targeting Sirtuin 6. Working closely with three faculties at the University of Ljubljana, Virella has produced the most potent known SIRT6 activators, published in ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters (March 2026). The company is advancing its lead compounds toward preclinical development with CRO partners. For more information, visit www.virella-science.com.
Andraz Zurman
Virella
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