Unlocking Longevity: The Agentic AI Hackathon Aims to Transform Aging Science

How Retro Biosciences is Shaping the Future of Longevity Science with AI

Update Revolutionizing Longevity with AI-Driven InnovationsIn the landscape of health science, where the pursuit of longevity reaches new heights, a name is emerging: Retro Biosciences. Founded by Joe Betts-LaCroix, this startup is on a mission to extend the healthspan of individuals through groundbreaking advancements in cellular biology, supported by significant investment from Sam Altman of OpenAI. Recently, Betts-LaCroix revealed how integrating artificial intelligence into longevity research could dramatically accelerate advancements in how we understand and combat aging.Transformative AI in Aging ResearchAt the core of Retro's innovations is the use of a custom AI model, a partnership with Altman’s OpenAI, to enhance cellular reprogramming processes. This AI approach aims to refine the interactions of proteins through advanced modeling, significantly amplifying the efficiency of cellular reprogramming, which is poised to improve overall biological function. While traditional methods often struggle to optimize cellular interventions, the use of AI enables Retro to efficiently sift through myriad biological data, paving the way for revolutionary breakthroughs.Insights from the Founder: A Personal JourneyJoe Betts-LaCroix's journey into the longevity sector mirrors a deep-seated desire to unravel the complexities of aging. His path began with an early understanding of the intricate communication between biology and technology. Influenced by a pivotal read from aging biologist Roy Walford, Betts-LaCroix started questioning societal notions about health and longevity, leading him to establish Retro. “Biology seemed unimaginably complex, but when examined through scientific experiments and interventions, we could find hope,” he states.The Science Behind Retro’s Promising TreatmentsRetro Biosciences is not merely about lofty goals but is grounded in solid scientific research. With programs dedicated to cellular reprogramming, Retro has several promising treatments in the pipeline. Among them is RTR242, a drug that revives autophagy—a critical recycling process in our cells that typically declines with age, leading to neurodegenerative diseases. By potentially reversing these processes, RTR242 aims to alleviate conditions like Alzheimer's. As Betts-LaCroix puts it, “Instead of working to slow down aging, we are striving to rejuvenate the biology itself.”Aiming for a Remarkable Healthspan IncreaseOne of the company’s primary objectives is to lengthen the human healthspan—the period in which individuals remain healthy and active—by ten years. While skeptics argue about the feasibility of such claims, Betts-LaCroix insists that this mission is founded on deep scientific inquiry and potential. “We want to avoid extending the lifespan of unhealthy individuals. Our focus is on adding quality years to healthy lives,” he emphasizes.Looking Ahead: The Future of LongevityAs Retro moves to commence its first human clinical trials, the question remains: what will the future hold for longevity science? Betts-LaCroix envisions a scenario where at least three drugs progress to market, fundamentally altering how we perceive aging and health. The integration of AI in this domain could yield not just incremental changes but groundbreaking transformations. “In ten years, we hope to redefine what it means to grow old,” he expresses.As the quest for longevity spans beyond scientific walls and enters the mainstream discourse, Retro Biosciences stands at the forefront, encouraging a thoughtful analysis of what the future holds. The excitement surrounding their work emphasizes a pivotal shift in how both the industries and society at large view aging.