OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is ramping up his investment in Retro Biosciences, a San Francisco-based biotech company that aims to extend the healthy human lifespan by an additional 10 years. As reported by the Financial Times, the company is now raising US$1 billion in a Series A funding round, which Altman is supporting.
Building on a strong foundation
Altman had previously invested an impressive US$180 million in Retro Biosciences’ entire seed round. His continued backing reflects confidence in the company’s mission and potential. Retro Biosciences focuses on combating ageing-related diseases and advancing technologies to support longevity.
The startup has made significant strides in its research. Recently, it collaborated with OpenAI to train a model to transform ordinary cells into stem cells. These stem cells hold promise for treating various health conditions, including degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Retro Biosciences CEO Joe Betts-LaCroix emphasised the urgency of their mission. He expressed a clear goal: to discover and develop a life-changing drug before the decade is over. “We want to move fast,” Betts-LaCroix said.
Billionaire-backed longevity movement
Retro Biosciences isn’t alone in the race to extend human life. Several other billionaire-funded initiatives are working on similar goals. One of the most prominent examples is Altos Labs, launched in 2022 with US$3 billion in funding, backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Unity Biotechnology, another notable player in this space, has received support from Bezos and entrepreneur Peter Thiel.
These efforts highlight a growing interest in tackling the challenges of ageing and age-related diseases. The backing of tech visionaries and billionaires brings substantial financial resources and innovation to this emerging field.
With its ambitious goals and substantial financial support, Retro Biosciences is positioned as a key player in longevity. Its advancements in cell reprogramming and its determination to develop drugs targeting ageing-related diseases set it apart.
Altman’s financial commitment demonstrates his belief in the company’s vision and potential. As the biotech industry continues to explore groundbreaking ways to improve human health and extend life, Retro Biosciences will be watched to see if it can deliver on its promise to redefine healthy ageing in the years ahead.
