In this episode of the LongeCity interview, Kelsey Moody, founder of Ichor Life Sciences, discusses his company's journey from a small lab to a leading contract research organization (CRO) with significant influence in anti-ageing and drug development. He shares insights into Ichor's research initiatives, strategic partnerships, and the future of ageing therapies.

Key Points:

Kelsey Moody highlights Ichor Life Sciences’ transformation into a powerhouse in ageing research through a CRO model and targeted investment. With ambitious plans in the ageing sector, Ichor is poised to make substantial impacts in anti-ageing therapeutics and biotech innovations.

• Evolution of Ichor Life Sciences: Originally focused on anti-ageing therapeutics, Ichor expanded its capabilities and transitioned into a CRO model, enabling it to fund its own research and reduce reliance on external investors.
• Focus on Eye-Related Ageing Research: Ichor's current strategy targets ageing hallmarks, specifically ocular diseases, as a pathway to develop systemic anti-ageing applications.
• Investment in Biotech Startups: Recent funding includes investments in companies like Mitochem for mitochondrial health and Lentibio for presbyopia, both exploring anti-ageing mechanisms.
• Ribobody Platform Development: Ichor is advancing a novel therapeutic platform, ribobodies, aimed at mimicking antibody function in previously inaccessible body areas like the GI tract, opening new avenues for targeted ageing therapies.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: Ichor’s CRO services foster strong relationships within the pharmaceutical sector, facilitating partnerships that could bring its ageing research closer to clinical applications.
• Commitment to Research and Training: Ichor has expanded its research facilities and established PhD programs in partnership with Clarkson University, emphasizing translational neuroscience and drug discovery.