The Past, Present, and Future of Longevity w/ Joe Betts-LaCroix Alex Colville
Apr 10, 2024
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Two experts in the longevity industry, Joe Betts-LaCroix and Alex Colville, discuss the past, present, and future of longevity including evaluating founders, societal impacts, and the business case for longevity drugs. They explore challenges in FDA approval, risks in the biotech industry, and misconceptions surrounding longevity.
Advancements in biology and aging mechanisms are accelerating longevity research, highlighting the importance of understanding cellular reprogramming.
Investing in the longevity sector presents significant economic opportunities due to the massive market potential and societal benefits of adding healthy years to adults' lives.
Deep dives
Mission to Extend Healthy Lifespan
The podcast discusses the mission of Retro Biosciences and the Age 1 Fund to add healthy years to humanity's lifespan. Retro Biosciences, led by Joe, aims to extend healthy lifespan by a decade, while Alex from the Age 1 Fund focuses on longevity biotech through early-stage company funding.
Scientific History of Longevity
The podcast delves into the scientific history of longevity, highlighting key milestones such as the study of calorie restriction in the early 1900s and the discovery of longevity genes like AGE-1 and DAF-2 in model organisms. The advancements in understanding aging mechanisms and cellular reprogramming are discussed as key pillars of longevity research.
Future of Longevity Interventions
The conversation shifts to the evolving landscape of longevity interventions, emphasizing recent advancements in biology, particularly in single-cell sequencing, and bioinformatics that have accelerated biological understanding. The exponential growth of longevity research is highlighted, indicating a significant shift towards rigorous scientific exploration and potential societal impact.
Business Potential and Investment in Longevity
The podcast explores the business case for longevity interventions, emphasizing the massive market potential and societal benefits. Discussions revolve around the economic value of adding healthy years to adults' lives, indicating trillions in potential revenue. The importance of investment in longevity is underscored, citing opportunities for transformative businesses and societal advancements.
In this episode, Omri Amirav-Drory (NFX), Joe Betts-LaCroix (Retro Bio), and Alex Colville (Age1) discuss the history, recent progress, and hurdles in the longevity industry, including the evaluation of potential founders and business risks. The discussion further encompasses the global fundraising potential and societal impact of the longevity sector, viewing aging as a disease, and the future of longevity drugs.
Learn more at - https://nfx.com/bio
(0:00) Introduction and Overview of Longevity Science
(4:21) Transition from Scientist to Investor: Alex Colville's Journey
(8:16) Current Advancements in Biology and Aging Field
(12:15) Cutting Edge Topics in Longevity Space
(20:02) Evaluating Potential Founders and Startups in the Longevity Space
(22:08) Challenges in Longevity Field: FDA Approval and Mission Focus
(23:46) Risks and Investment in the Biotech Industry
(27:24) Misconceptions and Business Case for Longevity
(32:34) Societal Effects and Impact of Longevity Drugs
(36:08) Advice and Future Challenges for Founders in the Longevity Field
(38:04) Closing Remarks and Thanks
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