One of the most remarkable recent discoveries is the ability to rejuvenate cells, with the next goal being to rejuvenate entire organisms, including humans and their brains. Yuri Deigin, CEO of YouthBio Therapeutics, is a trailblazing drug developer and longevity advocate, currently focused on developing partial reprogramming gene therapies for Alzheimer’s and other diseases.

Key Points:

Yuri Deigin discusses how partial cellular reprogramming can reverse ageing at the cellular level, with the potential to develop therapies for age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s. He highlights the challenges of translating these findings to human applications, focusing on safety and effectiveness.

• Introduction to Yuri Deigin: Yuri, a drug developer for over 15 years, shares his journey into the field of ageing research. He became interested in ageing after realizing that most diseases he was working on were consequences of the ageing process.
• Ageing as the Root Cause of Diseases: Yuri discusses how he transitioned from traditional drug development to focusing on ageing itself, noting that addressing the root cause—ageing—could prevent many diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
• Epigenetics and Ageing: He explores the concept that epigenetics, the changes in gene expression patterns over time, are a key driver of ageing. Yuri contrasts his "strong epigenetic theory" with other views, suggesting that these changes are not random but potentially programmed.
• The Power of Partial Reprogramming: Yuri explains partial cellular reprogramming, a process that can reverse ageing in cells by resetting their gene expression patterns. This technique is based on research showing that old cells can be rejuvenated to function like young ones.
• The Challenge of Translating Cellular Rejuvenation to Humans: While partial reprogramming has shown promising results in mice, translating these findings into therapies for humans presents challenges, especially regarding safety and effectiveness over extended periods.
• Therapeutic Applications and Longevity: The conversation touches on potential therapies for age-related diseases, such as using partial reprogramming to treat Alzheimer’s. There is optimism that these therapies could not only prevent but possibly reverse symptoms of ageing-related diseases.
• Risks and Safety in Reprogramming: One key challenge is ensuring safety in reprogramming, as prolonged activation of reprogramming factors can lead to tumour formation. Yuri emphasizes that carefully controlled, short-term applications may provide safe and effective rejuvenation.
• Hope for Human Trials: The podcast concludes with a discussion of upcoming goals, including conducting clinical trials aimed at preventing or reversing Alzheimer’s through partial reprogramming. Yuri remains cautiously optimistic about the future of ageing therapies.