In this episode of Levity, renowned biomedical gerontologist Aubrey de Grey discusses his groundbreaking research on Robust Mouse Rejuvenation (RMR) at the LEV Foundation. He explains why repairing ageing damage, rather than simply slowing it down, may be the key to extending lifespan. The conversation covers recent experimental results, future research directions, and the broader implications for human longevity.

Key Points:

This episode provides an insightful look into the current state of longevity research, highlighting both promising breakthroughs and the challenges ahead in achieving meaningful human lifespan extension. De Grey’s vision emphasizes the urgency of experimental progress, combining cutting-edge therapies to push the boundaries of ageing science.

• Robust Mouse Rejuvenation (RMR) Studies: De Grey’s research focuses on combining multiple rejuvenation therapies in mice to significantly extend their healthy lifespan. The goal is to achieve RMR, defined as a 12-month delay in ageing-related decline, which would mark a major breakthrough in longevity science.
• Repairing vs. Slowing Ageing: De Grey argues that reversing ageing damage is more feasible than trying to slow it down through metabolic manipulation. His damage repair approach targets and reverses different types of age-related deterioration at the cellular level.
• Combination Therapies & Study Results: Recent experiments tested a mix of interventions, including senolytics (which remove harmful senescent cells), telomerase gene therapy, and young blood stem cell treatments. The combined effects led to a lifespan extension similar to calorie restriction, but future studies aim to push this further.
• Longevity Escape Velocity (LEV) & Future Milestones: De Grey maintains that achieving RMR in mice is the next critical step before translating the therapies to humans. He predicts a 50/50 chance of reaching longevity escape velocity—where ageing can be indefinitely postponed—within 12-15 years, provided sufficient funding is secured.
• AI’s Role in Longevity Research: De Grey acknowledges AI’s potential to accelerate research but warns against over-reliance, emphasizing the need for real-world experiments. He critiques the belief that AI alone will solve ageing, arguing that it still requires extensive biological data to be truly effective.
• Debate on Replacement Strategies: The discussion touches on alternative longevity strategies, such as whole-body and brain replacement, promoted by some researchers. De Grey remains skeptical, believing that repairing ageing damage directly is a faster and more practical solution.