Retro Biosciences Raises $1 Billion for Lifespan Extension

Sam Altman Increases Investment in Longevity Biotech Startup Retro Biosciences

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is significantly expanding his support for Retro Biosciences. This San Francisco-based biotech company is focused on extending the human lifespan beyond its natural limits.

Initial Seed Funding and Current Series A

Altman initially funded Retro Biosciences’ complete seed round, contributing $180 million. He is now participating in the startup’s $1 billion Series A funding round, as reported by the Financial Times.

Research Focus and Technological Advancements

Retro Biosciences is actively pursuing the development of treatments for age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s. Recently, the company leveraged OpenAI technology to create a model capable of converting standard cells into stem cells.

Accelerated Drug Development

According to CEO Joe Betts-LaCroix, the company aims for rapid progress. Their goal is to identify and develop a therapeutic intervention within the current decade.

Joining a Growing Field of Longevity Research

Retro Biosciences is part of a larger trend of substantial investment in longevity research. Other prominent ventures include Altos Labs, which secured $3 billion in funding in 2022 with backing from Jeff Bezos, and Unity Biotechnology, supported by both Bezos and Peter Thiel.