# Zoe Biosciences

> Zoe Biosciences is a small, preclinical Los Angeles biotechnology company developing therapies for cardiometabolic disease from two related biological pathways: inhibiting PAI-1 and activating the apelin receptor, APJ. Its scientific starting point is unusually human - a rare SERPINE1 mutation found in an Old Order Amish community whose carriers had lower PAI-1, healthier metabolic markers and longer lives. The company is now testing whether medicines can reproduce useful parts of that biology in heart failure, obesity and sarcopenia without inheriting the target and delivery risks that stopped earlier programs.

- **Founded:** 2021
- **Headquarters:** Los Angeles, United States
- **Founders:** Scott Gies (CEO and Cofounder), Douglas Vaughan, MD (CSO and Cofounder)
- **Team size:** 2-10 employees publicly listed; supplied company data lists 2 employees
- **Products:** PAI-1 biologics program, ZB-201 APJ agonist
- **Notable:** Built two preclinical programs from a shared cardiometabolic-aging thesis centered on PAI-1 and APJ/apelin., Secured or described exclusive options to PAI-1 antibodies and Sanford Burnham Prebys APJ agonists., Passed VitaDAO's multi-disciplinary diligence process in March 2023 for a €100,000 equity investment.

## Products & services

- **PAI-1 biologics program** — Preclinical antibodies and nanobodies intended to inhibit PAI-1 with greater affinity and selectivity than prior small-molecule approaches; indications under evaluation have included metabolic, cardiovascular and elevated-FGF23 disorders.
- **ZB-201 APJ agonist** — A preclinical, selective G-protein-biased small-molecule agonist of the apelin receptor. Zoe reports proof-of-concept weight reduction, improved glucose tolerance and preserved lean mass in a mouse obesity model.

## Achievements

- Built two preclinical programs from a shared cardiometabolic-aging thesis centered on PAI-1 and APJ/apelin.
- Secured or described exclusive options to PAI-1 antibodies and Sanford Burnham Prebys APJ agonists.
- Passed VitaDAO's multi-disciplinary diligence process in March 2023 for a €100,000 equity investment.
- Reported that ZB-201 reduced body weight, improved glucose tolerance and preserved lean mass in a preclinical mouse obesity model.
- Assembled a scientific advisory board spanning PAI-1 biology, cardiology, epigenetics, regulatory strategy and drug discovery.

## Latest updates

- **2025** — Zoe reported proof-of-concept efficacy for ZB-201 as a monotherapy in a mouse obesity model, including weight reduction, improved glucose tolerance and preservation of lean mass.
- **2025** — The company repositioned its public website around cardiometabolic disease, highlighting heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, obesity and sarcopenia as lead indications.
- **2023-03** — VitaDAO's Zoe Biosciences funding proposal passed and was slated for implementation.

## Links

- Website: https://zoebiosciences.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zoe-biosciences

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/zoe-biosciences
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Last updated: 2026-08-22