S3: #030: Liz Parrish on Developing New Therapies to Slow and Reverse the Effects of Aging

Today we’re going to talk about aging. It’s a condition that everyone experiences and indeed, one thing is certain: when it comes to aging, our condition is terminal. Our guest today is challenging that and fighting aging head on. Today we’re speaking with Liz Parrish, the CEO of BioViva,a biotech company dedicated to advancing gene and cell therapies to treat the diseases of aging. We’ll dive into her work and learn about the results of the treatment that she received to slow and maybe even reverse the effects of aging. Liz is a passionate advocate for patient access to these revolutionary treatments, and a couple years ago, Liz decided to take her own medicine - literally. In September 2015, Liz underwent genetic therapy with the aim of slowing and even reversing the effects of aging. She believes that aging should be classified as a disease to open up entirely new and untapped pathways to extend human lives and allow us to be healthier, longer. Gene therapy to treat aging as a disease. Is this something that will catch on? Should we be tinkering with our own genes in this way? If not, why not? We’re already extending the lives of animals from earthworms to mice - why shouldn’t we work to extend our own lives through applying this technology? But if we do that, will these treatments only be available to the elite and wealthy of our society, or is this something that can benefit all of society by making it available to anyone who wants it? Today's Topics: How our bodies age and the hallmarks of aging (Also watch the video below!) The role of telomeres in aging Why ‘Aging' should be classified as a disease Can aging be reversed? The results from Liz's genetic treatment to reverse aging Links and Resources Mentioned BioViva on the Web Article on BioViva on Wired BioViva on Facebook Liz on LinkedIn Liz on Twitter @ParrishLiz Join Digital Health Today Video: Liz Parrish: Ageing is a Disease. Gene Therapy Could be the Cure | WIRED Health 2017 | WIRED Events   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices