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Evolution designed us to die fast; we can change that — Jacob Kimmel

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Evolution designed us to die fast; we can change that — Jacob Kimmel

Dwarkesh Podcast

Aug 21
Dwarkesh Podcast

Dwarkesh Podcast

Aug 21
OverviewShownoteHighlightsTranscriptChaptersPins

Shownote

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 ...

Highlights

In this episode, Dwarkesh Patel sits down with Jacob Kimmel, Co-founder & President of NewLimit, to explore the cutting-edge science behind aging and the ambitious goal of reversing it. The conversation delves into the biological and evolutionary reasons why longevity hasn't been a priority for natural selection, how modern biotechnology could overcome these limitations, and the challenges facing drug discovery today. With insights into epigenetic reprogramming, synthetic biology, and delivery mechanisms like viral vectors, this discussion offers a deep look into the future of medicine and the potential for extending human healthspan.
10:00
Evolutionary constraints allowed modern medicine to improve aging and health
17:06
Gene duplication enables adaptation without losing original function
37:20
Transcription factors allow small genetic edits to lead to large phenotypic changes.
1:01:43
Reprogramming a limited set of transcription factors may add decades of healthy life
1:08:53
Cells can be programmed to reinvigorate polymerization and repair damaged fibers.
1:29:25
NewLimit is vertically integrating to build virtual cell models using proprietary data, similar to how Cursor develops custom LLMs for specific applications.
1:36:54
Epigenetic reprogramming medicines could shift healthcare costs from administration to pharmaceuticals.

Chapters

Three reasons evolution didn’t optimize for longevity
00:00
Why didn't humans evolve their own antibiotics?
12:07
De-aging cells via epigenetic reprogramming
25:26
Viral vectors and other delivery mechanisms
44:43
Synthetic transcription factors
1:06:22
Can virtual cells break Eroom’s Law?
1:09:31
Economic models for pharma
1:31:32

Transcript

Dwarkesh Patel: Today, I have the pleasure of chatting with Jacob Kimmel, who is president and co-founder of NewLimit, where they epigenetically reprogram cells to their younger states. Jacob, thanks so much for coming on the podcast. Jacob Kimmel: Thanks...