Moments in TIME: Fellows Shaping the Future of Aging - Alex Kesin
As part of our Moments in TIME series, we’re highlighting the groundbreaking work of our TIME Fellows. Today, we’re excited to introduce Alex Kesin, a TIME Fellow with a unique journey into aging biology. Alex is currently working at the intersection of venture capital and translational medicine, developing aging therapeutics for clinical use.
Current Research Focus
Alex is dedicating much of his time to translational medicine, focusing on the development of aging therapeutics at age1, a venture capital firm investing in longevity-focused startups. His hope is to see the first FDA-approved drug targeting aging within his grandparents' lifetime.
"My hope is that within my grandparents’ lifetime, they’ll get to see (and use, if they so wish!) the first FDA-approved drug targeting aging," Alex shares.
Achievements and Milestones
Over the past year, Alex has made significant strides in his work, including:
Collaborating with renowned researcher Richard Miller at the University of Michigan and showcasing his work in a YouTube video.
Writing a widely circulated piece on the total addressable market for aging drugs, which sparked insightful discussions on Twitter, which became the first internal promotion at the venture capital firm he works for.
Impact on the Field
Alex envisions a future where aging therapeutics play a pivotal role in addressing muscle loss and weakness, two critical consequences of aging. He is particularly focused on sarcopenia and muscle wasting, conditions that affect everyone regardless of lifestyle choices.
"Losing strength and mobility is a devastating consequence of aging, and there are currently no approved medications to improve or preserve functional muscle," he explains. "It’s time to change that."
Personal Journey
Alex’s path to aging biology is unique—his background is in computer science, not biology.
“Since I don’t have formal training in the life sciences, keeping up with the basic science hasn’t come as naturally to me; I’ve had to do a lot of self-teaching in biology outside of the classroom.“
Encouragement to Future Fellows
When asked why someone should apply for the TIME Fellowship, Alex emphasized the value of the community:
"The TIME Fellowship is probably the most concentrated nexus of exceptional young talent in this field. They also happen to be some of the friendliest and most curious people I’ve met my age."
Beyond the mentorship and resources, Alex believes the camaraderie and relationships built through the fellowship are among its greatest benefits.
Stay tuned for more Moments in TIME as we continue to highlight the inspiring journeys and groundbreaking work of our TIME Fellows.
