The concept of healthspan – the number of years that we enjoy optimum health – has come a long way in recent years. Dr. Nir Barzilai, founding director of the Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, believes we are “ushering in a future where the norm will be for people to be healthy, active and mentally sharp, during the last quarter of their lives.”
Biotechnology is a big business globally, with the market nearing a valuation of $500 Billion by 2026. However, that capital can be put to good use and have significant potential upsides for individuals. The “anti-aging phenom” will focus on making the last years or decades of people’s lives more fulfilling by postponing the onset of many chronic diseases until closer to death.
Dr. Eric Leire is the CEO of GenFlow Biosciences. The company that has big ambitions to make your final years your healthiest. With his impressive background in biotechnology and success in academic research, Eric is also the inventor of several patents and well-placed to lead the company to success alongside the backing of renowned Venture Capitalist Ron Bauer.
GenFlow’s scientific approach centers around combatting DNA damage, which is a known contributor to aging. Both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA damage can contribute to aging either indirectly by increasing apoptosis or cellular senescence or directly by increasing cell dysfunction. Under the pressure of the challenge that DNA damage posed, living organisms evolved multiple highly advanced genome maintenance pathways. Without such developed conserved pathways, our cells could not survive the high frequency of DNA damage, estimated in each cell at around 2 x 105 alterations per day.
Eric and Genflow are centering its research efforts on the SIRT6 gene. Both the histone deacetylase and ribosylation activities of SIRT6 explain its significant role in maintaining the structure of our DNA. Furthermore, the SIRT6 gene has been clearly and repeatedly linked with an increased lifespan. By safely providing extra copies of a super version SIRT6 gene found in centenarians, Genflow expects to correct the DNA damage better, delay age-related diseases, and expand our maximum lifespan.
Scientists are looking to strengthen the image and reception behind the research, wanting critics to veer away as seeing them as “treatments” and more as products, which have the scope and potential for mainstream adoption in years to come. With high levels of investment and focus being plowed into this sector, the future really could be brighter and longer for us all.