402: Guarding biotech from China and big bets in longevity

Biotech industry leaders are grappling with shifting geopolitical tensions and the rapid rise of Chinese pharmaceutical research, which threatens traditional U.S. dominance in drug development. Companies like BridgeBio are increasingly guarding intellectual property, even considering misleading publication practices to prevent competitors from capitalizing on early-stage research. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly’s latest phase 3 trial for the obesity drug Retatrutide demonstrates significant weight loss potential, though high discontinuation rates due to adverse events raise questions about long-term tolerability. Joe Betts-LaCroix, CEO of Retro Biosciences, highlights the challenges of translating academic longevity research into clinical practice, noting that while AI aids drug discovery, animal models remain a mandatory, albeit inefficient, hurdle in the regulatory process. Retro’s focus on autophagy and cell replacement therapies aims to extend healthy human lifespan, despite skepticism surrounding the longevity sector's ability to deliver tangible clinical results.