Patients & families
Our science is intended to create new possibilities for the patients we serve.
Juvena is developing investigational medicines for conditions in which muscle loses the ability to function properly. Below, see how Juvena is investigating JUV-161's potential use for these conditions.
Myotonic dystrophy type 1
A genetic condition that slowly weakens muscle and affects much more than muscle.
What is Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1)?
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common adult-onset muscular dystrophy. It is caused by a change in a single gene that disrupts how cells process many proteins, and it affects the muscles that control movement as well as the heart, breathing, digestion, vision and cognition. Muscles can be slow to relax after use (myotonia) and gradually lose strength over years.
Statistics from the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation. Learn more at myotonic.org.
What Juvena is doing
Healthy muscle rebuilds itself constantly, guided by protein signals that tell it when to grow, often called growth factors. Juvena's lead medicine, JUV-161, is an engineered fusion protein derived from IGF2, a naturally occurring growth factor secreted by human stem cells. It is designed to restore the signaling and support that drive muscle regeneration. In laboratory and animal models it increased the formation of new muscle fibers, increased strength, and improved function and metabolism. JUV-161 holds FDA orphan drug designation for DM1 and has completed a first-in-human Phase 1 study in healthy volunteers; it is now being evaluated in a Phase 1/Phase 2 study of experimentally induced muscle atrophy in individuals aged 40-65. JUV-161 is an investigational medicine: it has not been shown to be safe or effective in people with DM1, and it is not approved for any use.
“We are excited about the unique approach Juvena Therapeutics is advancing to treat DM1 because of its potential to safely promote muscle regeneration, improve metabolism and rejuvenate lives.”
Dr. Tanya StevensonChief Executive Officer, Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation
Muscle atrophy & sarcopenia
Muscle loss is a major driver of disability.
What it is
Muscle atrophy is the loss of muscle mass that leads to a loss of strength. It can occur rapidly when a limb is immobilized after injury or surgery, during hospitalization, or as a consequence of illness. It can also develop gradually with age. This progressive age-related loss of muscle mass and strength is known as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia can lead to falls, physical disability, loss of independence, and a poorer quality of life.
Metabolic conditions such as obesity can further increase the risk. As tens of millions of people turn to new obesity therapies, preserving muscle has become even more important. An estimated 25% to 39% of the weight lost with GLP-1 therapies may be lean mass, including muscle (Eisa and Barood, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2026). Maintaining muscle quality, mass, and strength is essential to healthy aging, physical resilience, and longevity.
Estimates calculated from CDC prevalence data and 2030 population projections, and sourced using Evaluate.
What Juvena is doing
Juvena is evaluating investigational JUV-161 in a Phase 1/Phase 2 study of experimentally induced muscle atrophy in aged healthy volunteers (see clinical studies below). Separately, JuvNET has identified secreted proteins that act on metabolism and body composition, including one protein that increases energy expenditure by increasing mitochondrial activity in animals. In its research collaboration with Lilly in muscle health and body composition, Juvena will use JuvNET to identify muscle-targeting drug candidates from its proprietary library of human stem-cell secreted proteins.
Clinical studies
How a medicine is tested, and where JUV-161 is today.
The first clinical study. JUV-161 was given under the skin to healthy adult volunteers, as a single dose in one part of the study and as repeated doses in another, in a randomized, placebo-controlled study (Australia; NCT06918925) to learn about safety, tolerability and how the body handles the medicine.
A study of muscle atrophy in older healthy volunteers (aged 40-65 years) who have one lower limb temporarily immobilized, a well-established way to study how muscle is lost and regained over a short period of time. It is designed to help researchers learn how JUV-161 affects human muscle before advancing JUV-161 into clinical studies of muscle diseases.
Studies in people living with myotonic dystrophy type 1 and other muscle conditions are anticipated.
An investigational medicine is one that is still being tested in clinical trials. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established, and it has not been approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority.
Learning about studies
Juvena's studies are listed on public clinical-trial registries, which describe the experimental design, eligibility criteria and trial sites. The best first step in finding a clinical trial is a conversation with your neurologist or physician, who can help you understand whether a trial is appropriate and how to enroll. Juvena does not enroll participants through this website.
Community & resources
Progress for patients starts here.
Juvena works with the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation to move new therapeutics from the laboratory to the point of care for people living with DM1.
Patient advocacy
Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation
Care, support, education and research advocacy for families living with myotonic dystrophy.
myotonic.orgNeuromuscular disease
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Care centers, resources and community for people with neuromuscular diseases, including DM1, BMD, FSHD and OPMD.
mda.orgRegistry
ClinicalTrials.gov
The public registry of clinical studies, including who can take part, where they are run and whom to contact.
clinicaltrials.govInformation here is for general education and is not medical advice. Please speak with your physician about your own care. Photographs on this site are illustrative and do not depict people enrolled in Juvena's studies.