a16z Podcast Healthspan, Lifespan, and the Biology of Aging
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Feb 3, 2023 
Kristen Fortney, CEO of BioAge, and Vijay Pande, founding partner at Andreessen Horowitz's Bio + Health division, delve into the fascinating biology of aging. They discuss Kristen's inspiring journey from math to founding a company focused on health and longevity. The duo highlights the challenges of translating research from mouse models to human therapeutics. They also explore innovative interventions to enhance healthspan versus lifespan, touching on societal implications and future prospects in aging research.
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Kristen's Journey to Aging Biology
- Kristen Fortney's interest in aging biology stemmed from childhood sci-fi reading and a fascination with its potential impact on healthcare.
- Her academic journey began in math and physics, later shifting to bioinformatics for her PhD, where she analyzed large datasets for biomarkers and drug repurposing.
Shift to Biology and Aging Research
- Fortney's transition from physics to biology revealed the complexities of biological systems and the vast unknown within the field.
- She pursued a postdoc at Stanford, focusing on centenarian DNA samples to identify successful aging markers and drug targets.
BioAge's Founding Principle
- BioAge's founding principle is studying human biology and aging processes to discover new drug targets.
- By studying those already aging successfully, the company aims to find ways to treat and delay age-related diseases.