Genflow Biosciences Ltd (LSE:GENF, OTCQB:GENFF) this week outlined a series of near- and medium-term catalysts as the company enters what management described as a pivotal year for delivery.
Speaking to Proactive, chief executive Dr Eric Leire said 2026 is expected to be “a year of catalysts,” with the dog aging trial representing the most immediate milestone. Leire noted that the study is approaching unblinding, with early efficacy readouts expected once the blind is closed. While safety has already been confirmed, efficacy remains unknown due to the blinded, comparative design.
Leire said the first data will focus on biological age, assessed through a methylation clock, while more detailed analysis of muscle biopsies and mitochondrial function will follow. He added that a positive outcome could be strategically important, as it may trigger a licensing deal with an animal health partner, bringing non-dilutive capital into the business.
Beyond the dog program, Leire highlighted progress in the company’s MASH pipeline, where Genflow Biosciences Ltd has repositioned its focus toward advanced fibrosis and prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Here, we tak a closer look at what was said during the interview.
Proactive: Eric, happy new year. Looking back at 2025, the dog aging trial was probably your most visible program. What would investors see as a meaningful success when the first data lands in the first quarter of 2026?
Dr Eric Leire: Yes, 2026 should be a year of catalyst. The closest one is the dog study. We expect to close the blind shortly and have the first early readout of efficacy. We know the safety has been good, but it is a comparative and blinded trial, so we have no idea of the efficacy so far.
We will first read out the easy endpoint, which is the crucial endpoint of biological age, determined by the methylation clock. The analysis of muscle biopsies and mitochondrial function will take more time, but we expect some very positive results.
So far, everything has gone well. This trial could be very important for shareholders because it could trigger a deal with an animal health company, bringing non-dilutive money into the company.
Proactive: Looking at other programs, you repositioned your MASH work toward advanced fibrosis. What convinced you the data supports that shift?
Leire: In 2025, we saw a major change in the MASH landscape. There were no therapies before, and then two therapies arrived. Unfortunately, those products address early-stage MASH, where the disease is mostly silent.
There remains a huge unmet need for advanced fibrosis, prevention of cirrhosis, and prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma. The only competitor remains liver transplant, which is extremely limited. There are about 100,000 people waiting in the US, and around 10,000 die each year without a transplant.
We think we have a good shot there. Preclinical data has been very positive on fibrosis. This year, we focused on advancing prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a major threat. We demonstrated this both in vitro and in vivo, and this is a key part of our IND package.
That differentiates us from products currently on the market and could allow combination use rather than direct competition.
Proactive: What type of licensing or collaboration would you consider validation of Genflow Biosciences Ltd’s platform?
Leire: We try to license out some products at an early stage. We are a small company with a large pipeline, and it is difficult to finance everything. We keep the programs where we add value.
The dog study is a perfect example of early-stage licensing. We want to license it to an animal health company, as we are not an animal health company.
For MASH, early-stage deals are possible because of the huge unmet need. We may consider global or regional deals, including interest from Chinese companies. We are meeting potential partners during JPMorgan week.
For glaucoma, we want a proof of concept and then license out to a company focused on ophthalmology. This allows us to focus on age-related diseases like sarcopenia.
Proactive: You’re in the US for JPMorgan week, so we hope to speak again afterwards.
Leire: Yes, it will be a busy week. We are fully booked with meetings. I want to thank shareholders for their patience. We work in a regulated industry and cannot skip steps. Now it is time to harvest our results and potentially bring non-dilutive cash into the company.