FT Tech Tonic Defying death: The future of forever
Dec 10, 2025
Daniel Ives, co-founder of Shift Bioscience, discusses groundbreaking gene therapies aimed at reversing aging and explores how reprogramming can reset cellular age. Liz Parrish, founder of BioViva, shares her experience with unapproved gene therapies and advocates for faster access for terminal patients. Medical ethicist Arthur Caplan raises concerns about the moral implications of life extension, warning that longevity treatments could exacerbate inequality. They dive into the risks, motivations, and future potential of regenerative medicine.
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Clinic Experience Meets Regenerative Treatments
- Bill Kapp describes Fountain Life as a spa-like clinic offering extensive diagnostic tests and regenerative stem cell treatments.
- The clinic uses placental and cord-blood derived products for aesthetic and regenerative procedures like microneedling and injections.
Reprogramming Cells As A Route To Rejuvenation
- Daniel Ives explains gene therapies aim to reprogram cells to a younger state by altering gene activity.
- He frames ageing as a cell-level uniform process that could be reversed across tissues if key genes are targeted.
Yamanaka's Reprogramming Sparked Longevity Hopes
- Shinya Yamanaka's discovery showed mature cells can be reprogrammed to a stem-cell-like youthful state.
- That reversal of the cellular ageing clock sparked interest in gene-based anti-ageing strategies.