The Pros, Cons, and Future of Longevity Research: Jason Hope´s Take
There is no mention of stem cell research without mention of philanthropist and active investor Jason Hope. He has backed up many start-ups in the longevity research scene, most notably the SENS organization. He believes that even though such research is still in the initial stages, it is still worth investing in and will greatly add to the quality of life.
The Pros
Longevity research has been showing remarkable results despite it being in its infancy stages. According to Jason Hope, one of the more encouraging outcomes has been in stem cell research on Parkinson’s disease (Medium).
The research is ongoing at SENS and is in its second stage of clinical trials. The success of such trials validates the continuous contributions made by Jason Hope. Up to now, the activist investor and philanthropist believes slow and sure is the only way to conduct stem cell research. This ensures that the process creates preventative treatment plans that are safe for use now and in the future.
The Cons
According to Jason Hope, one of the cons facing longevity research is the over-zealous start-ups that make claims they can’t fully back up; medically-sound stem cell research moves relatively slowly and ensures that all the bases are covered. Start-ups using experimental longevity research that is yet to be verified by the science community offer uncertain results. Since they claim to provide the proverbial fountain of youth effect, they are more prominent.
The Future
Longevity research aims to prevent degenerative diseases that commonly occur as we age as the successful business leader Jason Hope recalls. This improves the quality of life for patients who get stem cell treatments. Rather than deal with symptom management as is the case now, stem cell researchers are giving hope for the non-existence of these diseases and illnesses altogether.
Embryonic stem cell research done over twenty years ago has shown that it is wholly possible to generate parent cells in a lab. These parent stem cells are then modified and introduced to a patient’s body. New cells free from degenerative diseases can then begin to grow, thereby eliminating the possibility of the patient getting that disease in their old age. Jason Hope admits that there are certain hurdles and roadblocks with longevity research, but the final results will be worth it, especially in the future.