Evolution designed us to die fast; we can change that — Jacob Kimmel
Summary
Jacob Kimmel of NewLimit discusses why evolution didn't optimize for human longevity, citing high hazard rates and kin selection as key factors. He explains NewLimit's approach to epigenetic reprogramming using transcription factors to reverse cellular aging, highlighting the role of AI models in navigating the vast combinatorial search space. The conversation also delves into the challenges of drug delivery, the potential for engineered cells in future therapies, and the broader economic landscape of drug discovery and healthcare, including Eroom's Law and new reimbursement models.Episode description
Jacob Kimmel thinks he can find the transcription factors to reverse aging. We do a deep dive on why this might be plausible and why evolution hasn’t optimized for longevity. We also talk about why drug discovery has been getting exponentially harder, and what a new platform for biological understanding to speed up progress would look like. As a bonus, we get into the nitty gritty of gene delivery and Jacob’s controversial takes on CAR-T cells. For full disclosure, I am an angel investor in NewLimit. This did not impact my decision to interview Jacob, nor the questions I asked him.
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TIMESTAMPS
(00:00:00) – Three reasons evolution didn’t optimize for longevity
(00:12:07) – Why didn't humans evolve their own antibiotics?
(00:25:26) – De-aging cells via epigenetic reprogramming
(00:44:43) – Viral vectors and other delivery mechanisms
(01:06:22) – Synthetic transcription factors
(01:09:31) – Can virtual cells break Eroom’s Law?
(01:31:32) – Economic models for pharma
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