Dr. Ivan de Weber, co-founder and CEO of Cortex Discovery, has dedicated his life to extending human lifespan. Inspired by a childhood fascination with mortality, he pursued biology and medical biochemistry, focusing on aging genetics. His PhD research highlighted the inefficiencies of traditional drug discovery, prompting him to explore AI-driven solutions.

Cortex Discovery utilizes AI and machine learning to model cellular biology with unprecedented accuracy, predicting over 5,000 pharmacological properties for 10,000 compounds per second. This technology has already led to breakthroughs, including the discovery of potential SARS-CoV-2 treatments and novel NRF2 activators and mTOR inhibitors for lifespan extension.

De Weber's vision extends beyond individual diseases, targeting the underlying mechanisms of aging itself. By reducing oxidative stress, increasing DNA repair, and eliminating senescent cells, he aims to achieve "escape velocity" and indefinite healthy lifespan.

Cortex Discovery is a self-funded company with a unique business model focused on virtual high-throughput screening, reducing costs and risks for pharmaceutical companies. De Weber's entrepreneurial journey has been marked by challenges and successes, ultimately leading to the establishment of Cortex Discovery.

With a goal to raise $10 million to scale operations, Cortex Discovery is poised to become a leader in AI-driven drug discovery. De Weber's advice to young researchers is to embrace business, pursue their passions, and challenge established norms. His story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to revolutionize healthcare and extend human lifespan.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ivan-de-weber-phd/

https://www.cortexdiscovery.com/

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Co-host of this episode:

Gabriel Cian

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-cian-807b39156/

https://ikare.ai/

https://2060.life/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.