Aging Biology and The Power of Human Data, Kristen Fortney, Co-Founder and CEO, BioAge

Feb 21, 2024

Kristen Fortney, CEO of BioAge, discusses the evolving landscape of aging biology, targeting age-related diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer's. BioAge's unique approach focuses on human data sets for drug discovery, with plans for an Epilin receptor agonist and obesity treatment. The podcast explores challenges in biotech hiring, identifying biological targets, and utilizing aged animal models for drug testing. Insights on overcoming drug development obstacles, conducting trials with a single patient, and the benefits of partnerships in biotech are also highlighted.

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Introduction

00:00 • 5min

Navigating Complexity in Aging Biology

04:36 • 9min

Exploring BioAge's Advanced Program: Epilin Receptor Agonist and Obesity Treatment

13:11 • 3min

Study on Immobilized Older People and Muscle Health

15:53 • 2min

Revolutionizing Biotech Hiring and Target Identification in Drug Development

17:36 • 3min

Navigating Challenges in Drug Development and Innovative Pathways in Biotech

20:31 • 6min

Synopsis: In a recent episode of Biotech2050, hosted by Alok Tayi, Kristen Fortney, CEO of BioAge, provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of aging biology and the innovative approach BioAge is taking to identify therapeutic targets. Kristen's background in aging biology, genetics, and statistics underscores her expertise in the field. The conversation delves into the shift towards translational research in aging biology, emphasizing the increasing interest in targeting aging-related diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, and cancer. Kristen highlights the importance of leveraging human data, utilizing relevant animal models, and strategically allocating resources to enhance the success rate of drug development in the biotech industry. She shares BioAge's unique approach to drug discovery, focusing on human data sets collected over decades, and emphasizes the importance of identifying novel targets for aging-related diseases. This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs in biotech and aging research, providing valuable insights into the current state and future prospects of the field, and highlighting the potential for driving innovation through collaboration and strategic partnerships. Biography: Kristen leads BioAge in its mission to develop a broad pipeline of therapies that target metabolic aging by harnessing the science of human longevity.Kristen draws from a deep background in geroscience and systems biology to advance BioAge’s data-driven approach to identifying and targeting the molecular pathways that drive aging. Kristen received her PhD in Medical Biophysics from the University of Toronto, followed by postdoctoral training at Stanford University where she was a fellow of the Ellison Medical Foundation / American Federation for Aging Research. She has over 15 years of experience developing novel bioinformatics approaches for data-driven investigation into the mechanisms of aging and age-related disease, with 18 published papers spanning computational drug discovery, biomarkers of aging, and the genetics of exceptional human longevity. BioAge recently closed a Series D financing bringing the company’s total raise above $300 million.