I actually spoke to Tom today. They need about $4 million. Have not been able to raise it.
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A new Mitrix interview:
AI Summary of video:
Mitochondrial transplantation may rejuvenate human cells, potentially extending healthspan and treating age-related diseases.
Here’s a detailed summary of the key points from “Rejuvenate humans with new mitochondria | Tom Benson, Mitrix Bio on Mitochondrial Transplantation”:
1. Injecting New Mitochondria into the Body
The video opens by discussing the concept of mitochondrial transplantation—injecting fresh, healthy mitochondria into the body to rejuvenate cells and potentially reverse age-related decline. This approach is being pioneered by Mitrix Bio, led by CEO Tom Benson.
2. The Evolutionary Link Between Mitochondria & Aging
Mitochondria are described as the cell’s powerhouse, but their role extends to metabolism, cell death regulation, immune function, and possibly the origin of multicellular life. The evolutionary history of mitochondria is linked to aging, as their decline is implicated in many age-related diseases.
3. What Happens When Mitochondria Grow Old?
As mitochondria age, their efficiency drops, leading to reduced cellular energy and increased susceptibility to diseases like heart disease, cancer, and neurodegeneration. The video explains how mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of aging.
4. Why Do Humans Outlive Most Animals?
The discussion explores why humans have longer lifespans compared to most animals, suggesting that mitochondrial health and repair mechanisms play a significant role.
5. The Hidden Role of Mitochondria in Heart Disease
Mitochondria are crucial for heart health, and their decline is linked to cardiovascular disease. The video highlights how mitochondrial dysfunction can contribute to heart problems.
6. Why the Brain Stays Sharp Even as We Age
Despite aging, the brain often maintains function longer than other organs, possibly due to unique mitochondrial dynamics in neurons.
7. The Energy Crash After 30 — Mitochondria’s Role
A drop in energy levels after age 30 is attributed to declining mitochondrial function, affecting overall vitality and healthspan.
8. Why Doesn’t the Body Fix Broken Mitochondria?
The body’s limited ability to repair or replace damaged mitochondria is discussed, highlighting the need for interventions like transplantation.
9. Mitochondrial Defects in Children Explained
Some children suffer from mitochondrial diseases due to inherited defects, which can lead to severe health issues.
10. How to Test Mitochondrial Health
The video covers methods for assessing mitochondrial function and health, which are important for diagnosing related diseases.
11. Mitochondrial DNA: Eternal or Fragile?
Mitochondrial DNA is both resilient and vulnerable; its integrity is crucial for cellular health, but it can be damaged over time.
12. Where Transplanted Mitochondria Actually Come From
The source of mitochondria for transplantation is explained, including how they are harvested and prepared.
13. Growing Mitochondria in a Bioreactor (Sci-Fi or Real?)
The feasibility of producing mitochondria in bioreactors is discussed, moving the concept from science fiction toward reality.
14. How Neurons Build Their Own Mitochondria
Neurons have unique mechanisms for maintaining and building mitochondria, which may contribute to brain resilience.
15. Mitochondria and the Cancer Puzzle
The role of mitochondria in cancer is explored, including how their dysfunction may contribute to tumor growth and resistance to treatment.
16. The Mind-Body Connection Runs on Mitochondria
Mitochondria are central to the mind-body connection, influencing both physical and mental health.
17. How Chemo & Radiation Wreck Mitochondria
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can damage mitochondria, leading to side effects and long-term health issues.
18. Proof Mitochondrial Transplantation Works
Early results and evidence supporting the effectiveness of mitochondrial transplantation are presented, including case studies and ongoing trials.
19. Sauna, Fasting, Sunlight — Mitochondria Hacks
Lifestyle interventions such as sauna use, fasting, and exposure to sunlight are discussed as ways to boost mitochondrial health.
20. Do Different Races Have Different Mitochondria?
The video touches on genetic diversity in mitochondrial DNA across populations and its implications for health and longevity.
21. Why Stop at 130 Years?
The potential for extending human lifespan beyond current limits is considered, with mitochondrial health as a key factor.
22. What Could Make This Fail?
Challenges and risks associated with mitochondrial transplantation are discussed, including technical, biological, and safety concerns.
23. How to Volunteer for the Mitrix Trial
Information is provided on how interested individuals can participate in Mitrix Bio’s clinical trials for mitochondrial transplantation.
This video offers a comprehensive look at the science, promise, and challenges of mitochondrial transplantation as a potential
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It’s a shame. They seem to getting a lot of buzz, but they can’t seem to get it funded. What is it about the company that’s preventing it from happening?
Is it a lack of confidence in the idea or are there too many barriers to proof of concept?
It’s seems like a much easier thing to test than say cellular reprogramming, and yet there’s been literally hundreds of billions pumped into it.
It seems like one of those things that ‘needs’ to be tested and is relatively easy. I wonder if they need some additional expertise.
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It seems to me that the team is not what you would typically find in successful biotech companies being funded in the SF Bay Area. Tom is not an obvious founder for this type of startup… his resume doesn’t fit the archetype for biotech startups here… from his linked in profile it seems he’s more of a general science/tech guy, not with deep domain knowledge, far older than the typical founder in this space… all of which makes it a hard sell to most investors in this space. If it was a young PHD out of a Stanford lab focused on mitochondria research he’d be funded quickly I suspect. But he’s not.
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Yes. This was my thinking, and well, it’s a shame. It sounds as if he needs to team up with an organization with some heft or find a sponsor to do the front facing financial stuff.
I hope they make it happen.
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