Good Morning,
Welcome to Tuesday’s edition of Longr Reads. Today, we immerse ourselves in the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape where investment strategy converges with the science of longevity.
In this issue, we spotlight the daring and visionary investments fueling advancements in human health and the science of aging. Our journey traverses diverse terrains—from the innovation hubs of Silicon Valley, where tech moguls are betting big on life extension, to the ambitious initiatives of international labs aiming to redefine human healthspan. We also delve into the world of biotech startups, where cutting-edge science meets venture capital in the quest to unlock the secrets of our genetic code.
These narratives are not just tales of financial ventures; they represent a collective, forward-thinking approach to one of humanity’s most enduring quests: the pursuit of a longer, healthier life.
Let’s dive in …
Sam Altman’s $180m Longevity Investment (MIT Technology Review)
Sam Altman’s $180 million investment in Retro Biosciences marks a significant chapter in the pursuit of longevity.
As the CEO of OpenAI, Altman is known for his revolutionary contributions to artificial intelligence. However, his venture into Retro Biosciences signals a paradigm shift, channeling his resources into one of humanity’s most enduring quests: the extension of human life.
Retro Biosciences, a biotech company that emerged from stealth mode in 2022, is set on a bold mission to delay death and add a decade to the human lifespan. The company’s approach is characterized by a relentless pursuit of speed and efficiency in their research, promising groundbreaking innovations in aging science.
Altman’s investment reflects a broader trend in Silicon Valley, where tech moguls are increasingly turning their attention and resources to the challenges of health and aging. Retro stands out not just for its ambitious goal but also for the scale of funding it has secured, making it a beacon in the longevity landscape.
THE LONGEVITY INVESTOR REPORT
This exclusive first edition has a complete sector breakdown, and an introduction to some of the key things professional longevity investors are looking at.
We’re demystifying the sector, and providing inside access to the most promising companies.
Harvard-Trained, UAE-Based, Consumer Longevity (Al Arabia)
In the United Arab Emirates, Fivescore Labs is pioneering a novel approach to longevity, emphasizing the importance of cellular health in extending the human lifespan.
This innovative lab, co-founded by Harvard-trained scientists, represents the region’s first consumer brand focused on longevity. Fivescore Labs is harnessing cutting-edge science to boost metabolism and repair damaged DNA, thus enabling individuals to live healthier lives for longer.
The lab’s approach revolves around a comprehensive longevity regime, incorporating lifestyle modifications and specific nutritional supplements grounded in scientific research.
Key to their strategy are natural treatments like resveratrol, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), crucial for DNA repair and metabolic regulation.
Tariq, the founder of Fivescore Labs, envisions a future where living beyond 100 years is not just a possibility but a norm, achieved through a synergy of advanced science and informed lifestyle choices.
Moonwalk’s $57 Million Leap into Longevity Epigenetics (Wall Street Journal)
Moonwalk Biosciences’ recent $57 million venture capital funding marks a significant advance in the field of epigenetic treatments.
This biotechnology startup, based in South San Francisco, is at the forefront of a novel approach to disease treatment, focusing on the activation and suppression of genes through epigenetic editing.
Unlike traditional gene editing that alters the DNA sequence, epigenetic editing works by adding or removing chemical tags to DNA, thereby controlling gene expression. This method could lead to breakthrough treatments for diseases like cancer and chronic hepatitis B. Moonwalk’s investment in mapping methyl tags across the genome is a strategic move to identify potential drug targets, aiming to restore diseased cells to a healthy state.
The company’s focus on diseases with epigenetic roots represents a new horizon in medical science, offering hope for reprogramming cells and uncovering novel cures.This investment in Moonwalk Biosciences underscores the growing importance of epigenetic therapies in the evolving landscape of genetic medicine.
As we conclude this edition of Longr Reads, we have traversed a remarkable journey through the world of longevity, where the realms of investment, technology, and health intertwine to forge a new future for human aging.
The stories of Sam Altman’s significant investment in Retro Biosciences, the pioneering efforts of the UAE’s Fivescore Labs, and Moonwalk Biosciences’ innovative approach to epigenetic treatments are more than just news; they are beacons of hope and ambition in the quest to extend human life.
These narratives reveal a profound transformation in the way we approach aging and health.
As we eagerly await the developments that lie ahead in this exciting field, we continue to champion the vision of a future enriched by health, vitality, and longevity.
Until next time,
The Longr Reads Team
“The stock market is filled with individuals who know the price of everything, but the value of nothing.”
Philip Fisher, Investor
Longr Reads’ of the Week
- The Year of Obsessing over Longevity (GQ)
- Ideas Podcast: How We Age (Princeton University)
- 13 European longevity startups hacking the ageing process (Sifted)