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Inside the Offshore Clinics Developing Gene Therapy to Fight Aging

Optispan podcast episode - Unlimited Bio’s Ivan Morgunov & Anna Vakhrusheva: gene therapies in SEZs

This episode explores the rise of offshore biotech ventures, where companies are pushing the boundaries of gene therapy for ageing. The discussion dives into how regulatory loopholes, ambitious founders, and experimental clinics are shaping a controversial frontier in longevity science.

Key Points:

The episode underscores both the promise and peril of moving fast with experimental gene therapies outside traditional oversight. Offshore clinics highlight how science, regulation, and entrepreneurship collide in the pursuit of longer, healthier lives. While risks remain, these early experiments may accelerate breakthroughs in the fight against ageing.

  • Unlimited Bio’s Mission : Founders Ivan Morgunov and Anna Vakhrusheva are building a biotech company focused on gene therapies designed to target aging-related conditions.
  • Special Economic Zones (SEZs) : By operating in SEZs, the company bypasses many of the strict regulations found in the U.S. and Europe, accelerating clinical deployment.
  • Therapeutic Targets : The therapies aim at regenerative pathways, tackling issues like muscle loss, immune decline, and tissue repair to potentially slow biological aging.
  • Patient Access & Pricing : Offshore clinics create access for early adopters willing to pay for experimental treatments long before they are FDA-approved.
  • Ethical Debate : Critics argue these models risk patient safety, while supporters see them as essential testbeds to gather real-world evidence faster.
  • Global Competition : Longevity biotech is increasingly global, with hubs emerging outside traditional Western markets.
  • Scientific Oversight : The conversation highlights the importance of peer-reviewed research, transparent reporting, and long-term monitoring in legitimizing therapies.
  • Future Outlook : Unlimited Bio envisions moving from niche offshore clinics to mainstream healthcare once safety and efficacy data are stronger.

Visit website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi8wQt02ncc

See also

Optispan Podcast

Longevity podcast with Matt Kaeberlein

Details last updated 28-Aug-2025

Mentioned in this Resource

Anna Vakhrusheva

CTO at Unlimited Bio

Ivan Morgunov

CEO and Founder at Longaevus Technologies and CEO at Unlimited Bio

Unlimited Bio

First preventive gene therapy VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)