<p>Ned David is the co-founder of Unity Biotechnology, a company developing senolytic medicines—molecules that target and destroy senescent cells in the human body. In this episode, Ned explains the science of cellular senescence and how it impacts the aging process. Ned discusses how senolytics may delay, prevent, treat, or even reverse age-related diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease. As a serial entrepreneur, Ned also provides advice on how to transform a simple idea into the creation of a company.</p> <p> </p> <p>We discuss:</p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Defining longevity and the principles of aging [2:50];</li> <li>The control knobs of aging and how we can turn them [15:10];</li> <li>Role of cellular senescence in aging and cancer [27:00];</li> <li>History of senescence in scientific study [40:30];</li> <li>The cellular senescence paradox [46:00];</li> <li>Developing medicines that target cellular senescence [52:15];</li> <li>Ned's lessons on risk analysis in business [1:05:15];</li> <li>The search for a molecule that could eliminate senescent cells [1:15:15];</li> <li>Senescent cell elimination example in osteoarthritic knees [1:30:30];</li> <li>Extending lifespan by removing senescent cells [1:45:00];</li> <li>Senolytic molecule example in macular degeneration reversal [1:52:30];</li> <li>The future of senescent cell targeting [1:58:30];</li> <li>The role of cellular senescence and metabolic syndrome [2:01:30];</li> <li>The role of cellular senescence and brain health [2:03:30]</li> <li>What prepared Ned to start Unity Biotechnology [2:05:45];</li> <li>Advice for someone deciding between business and academics [2:08:50]; and</li> <li>More.</li> </ul> <p>Learn more: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/">https://peterattiamd.com/</a><br /> <br /> Show notes page for this episode: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/neddavid">https://peterattiamd.com/neddavid</a><br /> <br /> Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/">https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/</a><br /> <br /> Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/">https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/</a><br /> <br /> Connect with Peter on <a href="http://Facebook.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Faceboo</u></a><u>k</u> | <a href="http://Twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Twitter</u></a> | <a href="http://Instagram.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Instagram</u></a>.</p>
Actionable Insights
1. Identify Existential Project Risks
When pursuing a bold idea, picture the desired end state and identify the fundamental, existential risks to that vision. This allows for focused effort and resource allocation.
2. Streamline Project Risks (2-4)
For any project, distill potential failure points down to 2-4 primitive, durable risks to maintain focus and simplify complex decision-making over many years.
3. Budget Aligned with Risks
Budget and build work plans that systematically address and remove each identified risk, ensuring efficient use of time and money.
4. Implement Go/No-Go Decisions
In academic or project settings, explicitly define failure modes and set clear criteria for go/no-go decisions after a set period to conserve time and pivot to more promising endeavors.
5. Adopt Project Portfolio Approach
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, understanding that it’s acceptable for some to fail, as long as at least one demonstrates success and warrants continued focus.
6. Avoid False Career Choices
Do not perceive academia and entrepreneurship as mutually exclusive paths; many successful individuals blend both, so take time to consider all options without rushing.
7. Animate Work with Beautiful Idea
Pursue a ‘single beautiful idea’ that genuinely excites you and gives you goosebumps, as this passion fuels perseverance through challenges.
8. Learn from Experienced Mentors
Actively learn from people who are more skilled and experienced and who are patient enough to teach, as this is crucial for developing necessary intellectual and emotional toolkits.
9. Preserve Senescent Cell Creation
Do not genetically or otherwise interfere with the body’s natural ability to create senescent cells, especially when young, as this system is vital for preventing tumor formation.
10. Favor Source-Eliminating Therapies
When considering future health interventions, prioritize those that eliminate the source of a problem (e.g., senescent cells) rather than merely suppressing symptoms, as this may lead to less frequent dosing and potentially safer outcomes.