Yuva Biosciences' proprietary MitoNova™ AI platform identified small-molecule candidates that were biologically validated in primary human skeletal muscle cells, with multiple candidates increasing ANT1, a mitochondrial protein central to skeletal muscle energy metabolism. Four AI-selected compounds demonstrated ANT1 induction, supporting their further confirmatory testing and development. NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., July 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NorthStrive Biosciences Inc. ("NorthStrive Biosciences"), a subsidiary of PMGC Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ELAB) ("PMGC" or the "Company"), today announced positive results from Phase III of its AI-driven drug discovery program with strategic partner Yuva Biosciences, Inc. ("Yuva Biosciences"). Phase III of the parties’ drug discovery program (“Phase III”) was designed to biologically validate a focused set of small-molecule candidates selected by Yuva Biosciences' proprietary MitoNova™ AI platform. These candidates were tested in primary human skeletal muscle cells using an in vitro assay measuring ANT1 protein expression. ANT1 is a mitochondrial protein involved in cellular energy metabolism in skeletal muscle. The parties’ drug discovery program is focused on identifying candidates that may support the Company's broader development strategy around muscle preservation, including potential applications relevant to muscle health and metabolic stress. The study in Phase III evaluated a focused set of AI-selected small-molecule candidates. According to the results package prepared by Yuva Biosciences, four compounds (C1, C2, C3, and C4) increased ANT1 expression, with the strongest candidates demonstrating dose-dependent induction. Yuva Biosciences’ results report identified C1, C2 and C4 as the strongest and most dose-consistent ANT1 inducers, while C3 also advanced as a candidate based on statistically significant activity at the highest tested dose. Key Phase III Findings Finding Significance Four AI-selected compounds significantly increased ANT1 expression. C1, C2, C3 and C4 each demonstrated statistically significant increases in ANT1 expression, validating biological activity of multiple MitoNova™ AI-selected candidates in human skeletal muscle cells. Multiple candidates demonstrated meaningful dose-dependent induction. The strongest observed increases included C2 at up to +50%, C4 at up to +48%, and C1 at up to +46%, with C3 demonstrating a +29% increase at the highest tested dose. The results support confirmatory testing and further development. Yuva Biosciences recommended advancing the four validated candidates into a more mature and energy-demanding skeletal muscle model, to further confirm ANT1 induction and de-risk subsequent development. Connection to Prior Program Update The Company previously announced that Phase III was expected to use Yuva Biosciences' improved sixth-generation classifier models to support a more refined selection of candidate compounds and a more comprehensive in vitro validation stage. The prior update also stated that Phase III results were expected in Q2 2026. View the prior PMGC press release. Next Steps Based on the positive Phase III results, NorthStrive Biosciences and Yuva Biosciences are evaluating next steps, including confirmatory testing and further development of the four validated candidates. The proposed next stage is expected to evaluate whether the ANT1 induction observed in primary human skeletal muscle cells is maintained in a more mature muscle model that more closely reflects adult skeletal muscle biology. About Yuva Biosciences, Inc. Yuva Biosciences, Inc. is a mitochondrial sciences AI company that uses advanced artificial intelligence to identify and develop therapeutic and natural candidates targeting aging-related pathways. Its proprietary AI platform, MitoNova™, integrates proprietary biological, chemical, and mitochondrial-function datasets to accelerate the discovery of compounds with the potential to improve cellular processes and overall tissue health. Multiple products incorporating compounds discovered by Yuva Biosciences are already on the market, including Revive+ by BosleyMD. Yuva Biosciences is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. For more information, please visit www.yuvabio.com . About NorthStrive Biosciences Inc. NorthStrive Biosciences Inc., a PMGC Holdings Inc. company, is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and acquisition of cutting-edge aesthetic medicines. NorthStrive's lead asset, EL-22, leverages an engineered probiotic approach to address the issue of preserving muscle while on weight loss treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists. For more information, please visit www.northstrivebio.com . About PMGC Holdings Inc. PMGC Holdings Inc. is a diversified holding company that manages and grows its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, investments, and development across various industries. We are committed to exploring opportunities in multiple sectors to maximize