Modern Healthspan|01. Sept.
Add 10–20 Years of Youth With Gene Therapy | Dr. Noah Davidsohn
Dr. Noah Davidsohn on Gene Therapy for Age Reversal
Dr. Noah Davidsohn, CSO of Rejuvenate Bio, discusses two main therapeutic approaches: FGF21 gene therapy and epigenetic reprogramming with OSK.
FGF21 Gene Therapy for Dogs and Humans
- Animal health program: Combination of anti-TGF-beta1 (antibody) and overexpression of FGF21. A single 10-minute infusion extends the lifespan of dogs with mitral valve disease by 1–2 years (equivalent to ~10–14 human years). The therapy works systemically; the liver produces the proteins. Conditional approval for dogs is expected around 2028.
- Human program: FGF21 (the "starvation hormone") improves metabolism, heart function, and has anti-inflammatory effects. A single injection provides benefits for at least a decade. Human clinical trials are imminent (after one primate study and one GMP batch).
Epigenetic Reprogramming with OSK
- Study in old mice (124 weeks, equivalent to ~80 human years): Three-factor reprogramming (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 – without c-Myc) doubled the remaining lifespan and reversed the frailty index. The mice looked healthier and younger.
- Mechanism: Partial reprogramming via cyclic activation (using antibiotic in water). Cells do not become full stem cells but rejuvenate epigenetically.
- Safety: No tumor formation because c-Myc is omitted and the AAV vectors do not integrate into the genome. Any cancerous clone would lose the therapeutic DNA through cell division.
Outlook and Costs
- Dr. Davidsohn estimates that first clinical applications are about two years away, with multiple different approaches available in five years.
- Manufacturing costs are around $2,000 per dose for humans – an investment that pays off with 10–20 extra healthy years.
- Rejuvenate Bio offers public investment opportunities via WeFunder (wefunder.com/rejuvenatebio).
Conclusion
The combination of one-time FGF21 gene therapy and cyclic OSK reprogramming promises significant extension of healthy lifespan – at affordable cost and with a strong safety profile.
