Key points from article :
Zoe Biosciences is charting new paths in the quest for longer, healthier lives through cutting-edge longevity therapeutics. The biotech company, led by CEO Scott Gies, has a unique focus: leveraging genetic insights from a rare mutation found in the Amish community of Berne, Indiana. This mutation affects the SERPINE1 gene, leading to reduced levels of the protein PAI-1. Intriguingly, individuals with this mutation show remarkable resistance to ageing-related diseases, with heterozygotes living, on average, ten years longer than non-carriers and enjoying significantly better health.
The Amish population provides a “natural experiment,” as their uniform lifestyle ensures the mutation is the key variable affecting outcomes. Zoe Biosciences is developing therapies inspired by this mutation, including PAI-1 inhibitors, aiming to replicate these longevity benefits on a broader scale. Their research suggests PAI-1 is deeply intertwined with cellular senescence and ageing pathways, making it a critical target for therapeutic innovation.
The company’s approach is also expanding to address other biological factors tied to the Amish ageing phenotype. By advancing multiple therapeutic modalities and forming strategic partnerships, Zoe aims to redefine healthspan and bring these breakthroughs to hundreds of millions of patients worldwide, transforming the future of ageing and health.
