In September 2020, a van journeyed from a Marriott hotel in San Diego, California to the Regenerative Medicine Institute (RMI) in Tijuana, Mexico. On board were five elderly passengers, among them MJ – who had recently been diagnosed with early stage cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia. After reaching the clinic, each of the passengers received a gene therapy developed by BioViva, the US biotech company. Anxious yet hopeful, MJ had little information on what to expect but accepted the risk.
This experience is shared by millions of adults diagnosed with dementia across the world. To date, Alzheimer’s is the most common form and researchers have spent billions with no promising results. Yet, a few treatments claim to offer untold benefits for those willing to take the risk. For MJ, the journey to RMI was her opportunity for a second chance.
The treatment involved two genes delivered into the brain using a virus for transport. The genes carry the instructions to create telomerase and Klotho enzymes that are believed to help reverse cellular ageing. The goal of this therapy? To potentially reverse age-related conditions such as age-related cognitive decline.
MJ’s journey was made possible thanks to Maximum Life Foundation (MLF). Founded by David Kekich– a prominent figure among lifespanners – MLF funded the treatment and other complimentary costs. MLF’s mission is to reverse the human ageing process by 2033 by funding experimental technologies in genomics, proteomics, regenerative medicine, nanotechnology and AI.
David Kekich was an inspirational figure and sadly passed away in 2021. To acknowledge his legacy, Kekich chose to be cryo-preserved in the hope of one day being revived.
BioViva is a US biotech startup focusing on molecular therapies for age-related health issues. Founded in 2015 by Elizabeth Parrish, BioViva has made notable progress over the last decade and continues to collaborate with other firms in order to discover ground-breaking treatments. By leveraging gene editing and other technologies, BioViva seeks to revolutionize and extend healthy lifespan, a goal shared by many researchers and believe.
The concept of anti-aging treatments has attracted significant attention, with many willing to take risks for potential gains. There are still questions unanswered and much of the treatments are still in the early stages. Nonetheless, it provides a glimmer of hope to those suffering and an opportunity to explore the boundaries of medicine.
