IS MORTALITY DEAD?

The panel discusses the ethics and economics of extending human lifespan, questioning if immortality is the ultimate goal. Josh Fink emphasizes the importance of access to new therapies and the need to address potential societal impacts, such as retirement funding and social bonds. Karen Heidelberger of Deerfield Management stresses the significance of healthspan over lifespan, advocating for ethical considerations and concurrent treatment of multiple age-related diseases. Jake Becraft, CEO of Strand Therapeutics, focuses on the scalability and accessibility of medicines, suggesting a shift in investment towards preventative care. The discussion explores the challenges of paying for extended healthspan in the current healthcare system. Fink highlights the potential of lifestyle changes to improve health outcomes and reduce disease burden. The panel agrees that AI will play a crucial role in driving advancements in drug discovery and clinical trials, while moderator H.P. Goldfield raises questions about access and the role of AI in addressing these challenges.