Summary
Introduction: In this episode of Translating Aging, host Chris Patil is joined by Dr. Mehmood Khan, CEO of the Hevolution Foundation, an organization devoted to extending healthy human lifespan and understanding the processes of aging. Dr. Khan, whose career spans notable positions in academia and the private sector, shares insights into the mission of Hevolution, its collaborative approach to driving global health span initiatives, and the challenges involved in addressing aging as a key health issue. The conversation covers the role of collaboration, the importance of policy-making, and the need for innovative health solutions that benefit both developed and developing nations.
Key Takeaways:
- Hevolution Foundation aims to extend healthy human lifespan by catalyzing collaboration across the globe, funding research, and investing in companies dedicated to aging science.
- Aging is one of the most pressing global challenges, second only to climate change, and addressing it will require global coordination and collaboration.
- The Foundation focuses on creating scalable, equitable solutions for aging that are accessible to both developed and developing nations.
- Dr. Khan emphasizes the importance of collaborative research, bringing together diverse stakeholders, including governments, scientists, investors, and the private sector.
Key Points:
1. Hevolution Foundation's Mission and Global Perspective
Dr. Khan starts by emphasizing the urgency of addressing aging as a global health challenge. Hevolution Foundation’s mission is to extend the healthy human lifespan—or healthspan—by funding research and investing in solutions that promote healthy aging. Hevolution, created by royal order from Saudi Arabia, aims to be a catalyst for global change, collaborating with governments, private organizations, and the scientific community to advance the field of aging research.
Dr. Khan explains that while many countries are struggling with aging populations, the developing world will see the greatest increase in the number of elderly individuals. Hevolution is working to ensure that the solutions to aging-related health issues are equitable and scalable globally, focusing not just on the developed world but also on low-income and middle-income nations that face unique challenges.
2. Addressing Global Aging Through Collaboration
A key theme in the episode is the importance of collaboration. Dr. Khan explains that Hevolution aims to bring together diverse stakeholders, such as governments, scientists, investors, and the private sector. Hevolution is taking a unique approach by being a convener, collaborator, and catalyst in the aging space—supporting scientists, creating cross-border collaborations, and encouraging private investment in aging research.
Dr. Khan also discusses the challenges of convincing policymakers of the importance of aging research. By engaging with finance ministers and policymakers, Hevolution aims to highlight the economic benefits of extending healthspan, such as increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs. The Foundation also supports policy dialogues to establish the necessary regulatory frameworks for aging research, including the development of validated biomarkers to measure the aging process.
3. Hevolution’s Funding Model and Unique Approach to Investment
Dr. Khan elaborates on Hevolution's unique funding model, which combines philanthropy with venture capital. Unlike traditional investors, Hevolution does not require financial returns for its initiatives, as its goal is to benefit society and advance the field of aging science. This approach allows Hevolution to take on projects that traditional investors might overlook, such as the repurposing of existing drugs that no longer have patent protections but could be effective in promoting healthy aging.
Hevolution’s funding strategy includes both grant programs for fundamental research and venture capital investments in startups that are developing innovative therapies. Dr. Khan stresses that for the aging field to grow, it must attract more players, including large pharmaceutical companies, which could take promising research from early clinical stages to widespread market adoption. Hevolution aims to de-risk such projects, making them attractive for further investment.
4. Challenges and Opportunities in the Aging Field
The conversation turns to the unique challenges that Hevolution faces in the aging field. Dr. Khan notes that aging is a complex, multi-faceted issue that lacks a clear regulatory pathway, as there is no universally accepted biomarker for aging. Hevolution is working with global experts to develop validated biomarkers, which would be a game-changer for aging research, similar to how cholesterol levels are used in cardiovascular research.
Hevolution also faces challenges related to perception. Since it is based in Saudi Arabia, a country not traditionally seen as a leader in aging science, Dr. Khan had to overcome skepticism from international partners. However, through consistent engagement and credible partnerships, Hevolution has established itself as a respected leader in the global aging conversation. He also highlights that despite the challenges, there is immense potential for progress—if even one effective aging therapy reaches the market, it could change the trajectory of the field, much like the impact of statins in cardiovascular health.
5. Ensuring Equity and Accessibility in Aging Solutions
Dr. Khan is particularly passionate about ensuring that solutions to extend healthspan are accessible to everyone. He notes that while developed nations are experiencing aging-related challenges, developing nations will soon face similar issues, compounded by economic and infrastructure limitations. Hevolution’s vision includes creating scalable solutions that can work in diverse environments, from high-tech health systems in the developed world to community-based care models in low-resource settings.
One example Dr. Khan provides is Singapore's model of multi-generational communities, which could inspire other countries to develop culturally appropriate models for elderly care. Hevolution aims to bridge the gap between the global North and South, ensuring that interventions for aging do not exacerbate existing inequalities. Dr. Khan underscores the ethical imperative of this mission, stressing that everyone, regardless of their geographic or economic situation, should benefit from advances in aging science.
Conclusion:
This episode of Translating Aging provides a deep dive into how Hevolution Foundation is tackling one of humanity's most pressing challenges—aging. Dr. Khan's insights reveal the complexities of the aging field and the collaborative efforts required to extend healthspan on a global scale. Hevolution’s unique approach, blending philanthropy with venture capital and emphasizing global equity, positions it as a leader in driving transformative change in aging research. The key takeaway is clear: addressing aging requires a united global effort, innovative funding approaches, and a commitment to equity, all of which Hevolution is actively advancing.