From Genomics to Healthspan: Dr. Wei-Wu He’s Vision for Preventing Disease

In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Wei-Wu, Executive Chairman at Human Longevity, Inc. Together, they explore how advances in genome sequencing, AI, and multi-layered diagnostics are changing the fight against age-related diseases. Wei-Wu shares why understanding your own genetic risks and combining them with other health data leads to better prevention and a longer healthspan.

Wei-Wu explains the value of integrating genome sequencing, advanced imaging, and liquid biopsy to catch diseases like cancer early, before symptoms appear. He draws on real-world examples, including how combining different tests can spot cancers that single methods might miss. The conversation highlights how technology brings down costs, making once-rare insights widely available, and how each person stands to benefit from personalized risk profiles.

The episode closes with practical advice: use today’s tools to become the CEO of your own health. Wei-Wu urges listeners to embrace data-driven, individualized care and stresses that no single tool or habit holds all the answers. Instead, true longevity comes from a holistic, ongoing approach, one that uses all available knowledge to prevent disease and extend both life and health.

Guest-at-a-Glance

💡 Name: Dr. Wei-Wu
💡 What he does: Executive Chairman
💡 Company: Human Longevity, Inc.
💡 Noteworthy: Known for leading advances in genomics, precision medicine, and early disease detection by integrating AI, genome sequencing, and multi-omics data.
💡 Where to find him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wei-wu-he-ph-d-he-him-b6957313/

Episode highlights:

[00:00:00]: Introduction
[00:01:06]: Background in Genomics and Precision Medicine
[00:04:13]: Early Influences and Motivation for Longevity Research
[00:06:12]: Lessons from a Longevity Mentor
[00:08:11]: Academic Journey and Early Biomarker Research
[00:09:18]: Transition from Academia to Industry
[00:10:40]: Breakthroughs in Biomarker Approval and Commercialization
[00:11:15]: Connecting Genotype and Phenotype
[00:11:49]: Human Genome Sequencing: Cost and Innovation
[00:13:28]: Shotgun Sequencing and the Race to Decode the Genome
[00:14:39]: Linking Genes to Disease Risk
[00:15:39]: Advances in Genome Sequencing Technology
[00:16:56]: Biomarkers for Early Cancer Detection
[00:18:49]: Improving Prostate Cancer Detection with Multi-Modal Data
[00:20:30]: Personalized vs. Statistical Medicine
[00:22:11]: The Symphony of Longevity Care
[00:23:05]: Pap Smear and Cervical Cancer Screening
[00:24:39]: Vaccination and Cancer Prevention Progress
[00:26:00]: Global Disparities in Cancer Outcomes
[00:27:07]: Translating Scientific Breakthroughs to Population Health
[00:28:24]: The Value of Universal Genome Sequencing
[00:29:18]: Impact of Monogenic Diseases and Newborn Screening
[00:31:27]: Polygenic Risk Scores and Disease Prediction
[00:34:47]: Evolving Genomic Knowledge and Ongoing Discovery
[00:38:07]: The Case for Sequencing as a Lifelong Investment
[00:44:30]: Cancer Prevention and the Titanic Analogy
[00:50:08]: Multi-Modal Cancer Detection: Genetics, Imaging, and Liquid Biopsy
[00:57:24]: Advances and Limits of Genome Sequencing Technology
[00:58:10]: Liquid Biopsy for Early Cancer Detection
[01:01:28]: Integrating Data for High-Accuracy Cancer Prediction
[01:03:41]: Multi-Diagnostic Approach in Clinical Practice
[01:07:49]: Quick-Fire Round: Personal Biomarkers and Longevity Habits
[01:15:41]: The Myth of Single Solutions in Longevity
[01:15:51]: Embracing Data-Driven Longevity and AI
[01:19:59]: Closing Remarks and Takeaways

For science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast