Podcast: topical rapamycin for aging skin and the path to FDA approval

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mkaeberlein Can rapamycin reverse skin aging? In this episode of Longevity Science, I sit down with Dr. Chris Sell and Dr. Christina Chung, co-founders of Hayflick Therapeutics, to explore the science behind using rapamycin to target aging in the skin. Chris has spent decades studying cellular senescence, IGF signaling, mTOR, and rapamycin. Christina is a dermatologist whose work with transplant patients gave her a very different perspective on rapamycin and its effects on skin biology. Their paths eventually converged around a fascinating question: could targeting mTOR with topical rapamycin actually improve the function and appearance of aging human skin? We discuss the early experiments showing that rapamycin can extend the replicative lifespan of human cells, what happens when mTOR remains active in senescent cells, and how Chris and Christina moved from basic science to a controlled human study of topical rapamycin. We also talk about why skin may be an underappreciated organ in geroscience, the difference between scientifically rigorous skin rejuvenation and the enormous amount of hype in the aesthetics industry, and why Hayflick is pursuing the much more difficult path of FDA approval. More broadly, this conversation gets at one of the biggest challenges facing geroscience: how do we translate interventions that affect fundamental mechanisms of aging into therapies that can actually be tested, approved, and used in people? Disclosure: I serve on the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of Hayflick Therapeutics. This relationship is disclosed so viewers can appropriately consider any potential conflict of interest. The discussion reflects my own views and is intended for scientific and educational purposes. Topics include: rapamycin and mTOR, cellular senescence, the Hayflick limit, skin aging and rejuvenation, topical rapamycin, transplant dermatology, FDA drug development, and translating geroscience into human medicine. DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this channel is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices. More places to find me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkaeberlein/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkaeberlein/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.kaeberlein/ --- Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it. On this channel I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!