Cell rejuvenation vs. longevity? I say tomato, you say toMAHto
/An Endpoints News story recently explored a seeming disconnect between Altos Labs’ stated goals and what one of its noted researchers says.
Altos Founder Rick Klausner has said his company is neither an aging company nor a longevity company. Instead, he said, it is a cellular rejuvenation company.
The new story zeros in on what noted scientist and Altos staff member Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte told the Spanish newspaper El Pais. He said the world will be able to “predict, prevent and treat diseases and aging” within two decades.
Clearly, Altos can be both a cellular rejuvenation company and an organization that seeks to prevent and treat age-related diseases.
Everyone working in the field of longevity research knows the journey to extending the healthy human lifespan will produce smaller, but no less significant benefits. If cellular rejuvenation therapies are ultimately used to fight cancer by restoring the cells’ ability to heal the body, that would clearly extend someone’s life – and improve its quality.
We have been enthusiastic about the promise of cellular rejuvenation way before we invested and incubated Turn Biotechnologies in 2018. Turn Bio is focused on being the first company to prove that cellular rejuvenation – which has been effective in animal studies – will work in humans.
The brass ring in anti-aging research is, of course, the extension of the healthy human lifespan. But no scientists working in this field would be disappointed if their research resulted in therapies to fight age-related conditions, from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease; reduce chronic pain, restore mental clarity or help older skin heal more quickly.
In fact, Turn Bio is currently completing pre-clinical research on tailored therapies targeting indications in dermatology and immunology, as well as developing therapies for ophthalmology, osteo-arthritis and the muscular system.
The spotlight is on Altos because, since it launched with $3 billion in backing, it is the largest startup in history. In coming months, we will see people parse every statement, review every interview and question every announcement. Afterward, that focus will shift to what milestones the company is achieving.
While the scrutiny may be uncomfortable for scientists unaccustomed to the glare of celebrity or media surveillance, it is ultimately great for the field of longevity research.
It is good to remind ourselves that the public has expectations – and that the clock is ticking.