Aging Biology and The Power of Human Data, Kristen Fortney, Co-Founder and CEO, BioAge

02/21/24 • 26 min

Biotech 2050 Podcast

Synopsis: In a recent episode of Biotech2050, hosted by Alok Tayi, Kristen Fortney, CEO of BioAge, provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of aging biology and the innovative approach BioAge is taking to identify therapeutic targets. Kristen's background in aging biology, genetics, and statistics underscores her expertise in the field. The conversation delves into the shift towards translational research in aging biology, emphasizing the increasing interest in targeting aging-related diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, and cancer. Kristen highlights the importance of leveraging human data, utilizing relevant animal models, and strategically allocating resources to enhance the success rate of drug development in the biotech industry. She shares BioAge's unique approach to drug discovery, focusing on human data sets collected over decades, and emphasizes the importance of identifying novel targets for aging-related diseases. This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs in biotech and aging research, providing valuable insights into the current state and future prospects of the field, and highlighting the potential for driving innovation through collaboration and strategic partnerships. Biography: Kristen leads BioAge in its mission to develop a broad pipeline of therapies that target metabolic aging by harnessing the science of human longevity.Kristen draws from a deep background in geroscience and systems biology to advance BioAge’s data-driven approach to identifying and targeting the molecular pathways that drive aging. Kristen received her PhD in Medical Biophysics from the University of Toronto, followed by postdoctoral training at Stanford University where she was a fellow of the Ellison Medical Foundation / American Federation for Aging Research. She has over 15 years of experience developing novel bioinformatics approaches for data-driven investigation into the mechanisms of aging and age-related disease, with 18 published papers spanning computational drug discovery, biomarkers of aging, and the genetics of exceptional human longevity. BioAge recently closed a Series D financing bringing the company’s total raise above $300 million.

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The Intersection Of Tech and Biotech, Chris Gibson, Co-Founder & CEO, Recursion

Synopsis: In this episode of the Biotech2050 podcast, Chris Gibson, the co-founder and CEO of Recursion, shares insights on the intersection of technology and biotech, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and diverse partnerships in driving innovation. Gibson's journey from pursuing an MD-PhD program with a focus on merging engineering and medicine to founding Recursion showcases his deep understanding of the evolving biotech landscape. His experience navigating the capital markets and proactive decision-making in response to market conditions offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs in the industry. The episode delves into the challenges and opportunities in the biotech sector, highlighting the transformative potential of technology and the significance of embracing entrepreneurship and risk-taking. Gibson's emphasis on building diverse teams and the impact of partnerships serves as a compelling reason for entrepreneurs and leaders in the biotech industry to listen to this episode, providing valuable insights and strategies for navigating the rapidly changing biotech landscape. Biography: Chris Gibson developed the technology and approach that seeded Recursion as part of his MD/PhD work in the lab of Co-Founder Dr. Dean Li (current President of Merck Research Labs) while at the University of Utah. After completing his Ph.D., Chris left medical school to build Recursion into the rapidly growing company it is today. Chris is a graduate of Rice University with degrees in bioengineering and management. Chris serves on the Board of BioHive, the public-private partnership driving expansion of Utah's life-science ecosystem, the fastest growing in the nation. Chris is also active as an advisor and mentor, both formally and informally, of many young biotech founders. Chris enjoys cycling on both the road and the trails that cut through Utah's great wilderness, as well as spending time with family.

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Unlocking Genetic Medicine's Full Potential, Tuyen Ong, CEO, Ring Therapeutics

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