Tech

Eric Leire: How Biotechnology Can Contribute To Longevity Research

Published

3 years ago

August 6, 2021

Dr. Eric Leire, MD, MBA, is the CEO and Founder of GenFlow Biosciences. He has an impressive background in the biotechnology and gene therapy sector. Furthermore, Eric has a plethora of remarkable experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having held Pfizer, Schering Plough, and Pharmacia posts. His success has also translated into academic research, where he has held a research position at Harvard University.

In addition, his career has soared throughout the biotechnology industry, being the CEO of several private and public biotech companies. He is also the inventor of several patents and serves on the board of several biotechnology companies, such as Pherecydes (ALPHE.PA), Immunethep (developing a Covid vaccine), Inhatarget, and BSIM.

With the Biotech sector forecast to grow close to $2.5 trillion by 2028 – the financial benefits are straightforward and the moral importance to serve societal needs. In addition, research into longevity and healthy aging have progressed rapidly in recent years. We chatted with Eric, who explains how developments in the biotechnology sector can aid the longevity research process.

“Many US biotech companies shifted their research focus to improving longevity. However, only a few European biotech companies are working on a science-based development of therapeutic interventions that could delay the aging process.”

He continues, “Our company is interested in identifying the genetic and molecular pathways underpinning the aging process.” Specifically, Genflow Biosciences’ work is based on the fact that DNA repair plays a crucial role in determining an organism’s lifespan. As humans and other mammals grow older, our DNA is more and more prone to breaks. GenFlow intends to provide extra copies of a gene involved in DNA repair called SIRT6 and, more specifically, a variant of the SIRT6 found in centenarians. The additional copies of centenarian SIRT6 will improve the ability to repair DNA damage.

The feasibility of gene transfer to patients was demonstrated around 30 years ago and these methods have improved substantially. As a result, many commercial gene therapy candidates are now focussing on gene therapy for multiple diseases.

Scientists now can inject more efficient AAVs that can express a transgene such as SIRT6 into specific cells. Like other viruses, the tropism of an AAV for particular cells is controlled by the particular interaction between the proteins of its capsid (the protein shell enclosing the AAV genetic material) and the receptors of the targeted cells. In the last decade, there has been a tremendous advance in the ability to design novel, highly efficient AAVs that can target specific cells or organs.

Having a toolbox of enhanced AAVs is an important step; however, to develop an effective SIRT6 gene delivery, we also needed an understanding of the potential immunity to AAVs. A pre-existing barrier to AAV gene delivery stems from our natural exposure to AAV, resulting in a possible pre-existing humoral and cellular immunity to AAVs. Even a highly efficient and specific AAV delivering an ideal transgene (such as SIRT6) means nothing if an immune response prevents the AAV from reaching the appropriate cells. Therefore, it is critical when translating AAV gene delivery for clinical applications first to determine whether the patient has pre-existing immunity to AAV and then mitigate the development of potentially damaging immune responses when the gene is delivered intravenously. Fortunately, several studies have assessed the immune response to AAV-mediated gene therapy in both pre-clinical models and human patients. Overcoming pre-existing immunity is not trivial, but we now have strategies to enable AAV treatment without triggering immunity.

Eric believes that GenFlow’s contribution to advancing the understanding of anti-AAV immunity in our pre-clinical program. During clinical trials will help not only the development of our product but will also participate in the development of other safe and highly efficacious AAV therapies for other diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

Tech

The Evolution and Impact of Crypto Swapping in the Financial Landscape

Published

2 months ago

September 19, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Introduction

The rise of cryptocurrencies has revolutionized how we think about money and how we handle financial transactions. Among these innovations, the ability to swap crypto is a significant development, enabling a more fluid exchange of digital assets. This method allows for directly swapping one cryptocurrency for another without the need for traditional financial intermediaries, such as banks or conventional exchanges. Specifically, swap crypto platforms help these transactions through decentralized systems that enhance user autonomy and security. This article delves into the intricacies of crypto swapping, exploring its mechanisms, advantages, challenges, and potential to reshape the financial ecosystem. By examining how swap crypto functions within the broader context of digital finance, we gain insights into its transformative impact on personal and commercial financial practices.

Understanding Crypto Swapping

Crypto swapping refers to the exchange of one cryptocurrency for another. This can happen on various platforms, including centralized exchanges (CEXs) and decentralized exchanges (DEXs). However, the unique aspect of crypto swapping often refers to its operation on DEXs, which use smart contracts on blockchains like Ethereum to help peer-to-peer exchanges without the need for a central authority. These smart contracts automate the transaction process, ensuring that the terms of the swap are enforced transparently and without bias. The decentralized nature of DEXs enhances security by reducing the risk of hacks associated with centralized repositories and increases privacy, as transactions do not need personal information to be disclosed. Furthermore, DEXs often provide more diverse trading pairs and can help direct swaps across different blockchain networks, expanding the versatility and reach of crypto swapping. This method significantly contributes to the fluidity and interoperability of the cryptocurrency market, promoting greater integration and utility across various blockchain ecosystems.

The Mechanics of Crypto Swapping

The technology behind crypto swapping depends on using smart contracts. These are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into lines of code. In the context of DEXs, intelligent contracts automate the transfer of cryptocurrencies between parties once predetermined conditions are met, ensuring trust and eliminating the need for intermediaries. Platforms like Uniswap, Sushiswap, and PancakeSwap have popularized this model by offering liquidity pools. These pools are funded by users who deposit pairs of tokens, which are then available for others to trade against. When a user initiates a swap, the intelligent contract adjusts the prices based on the pool’s supply and demand dynamics, executing the trade instantly. This method simplifies the trading process and enhances efficiency by minimizing the time lag often encountered in traditional trading environments. Additionally, it democratizes access to financial markets by allowing virtually anyone to become a liquidity provider, potentially earning transaction fees. This dynamic fosters a more inclusive financial ecosystem and underscores the transformative potential of blockchain technology in reshaping traditional economic structures.

Advantages of Crypto Swapping

Increased Accessibility: Crypto swapping democratizes access to financial markets. Anyone with an internet connection can swap tokens without approval from traditional gatekeepers like banks.
Enhanced Security: By decentralizing the exchange process, crypto swapping reduces the risk of hacks and security breaches that can plague centralized platforms.
Lower Costs: Without the overhead associated with traditional financial institutions, crypto swapping can significantly reduce transaction fees.
Immediate Settlement: Transactions on DEXs can be settled almost instantly, unlike traditional banking transactions, which can take days.

Real-Life Impact

Example 1: Emerging Markets In countries with unstable currencies or restrictive financial systems, crypto swapping provides a viable alternative for individuals to obtain more stable, internationally-recognized currencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum. For instance, Venezuelans have turned to cryptocurrencies amidst economic turmoil to preserve their savings and engage in commerce.

Example 2: Entrepreneurial Ventures Startups increasingly use crypto swapping to manage their finances more efficiently. By leveraging DEXs, these companies can avoid the hefty fees and bureaucratic hurdles associated with cross-border transactions, fostering a more global approach to business operations.

Challenges Facing Crypto Swapping

Regulatory Hurdles: The lack of clear regulations around cryptocurrencies and DEXs poses challenges, including potential future restrictions that could affect the accessibility of crypto swapping.
Market Volatility: The prices of cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile. Rapid price fluctuations can lead to market instability and affect the reliability of executing swaps at desired prices.
Technical Barriers: Using DEXs and understanding blockchain technology need a certain level of technical knowledge, which can be a barrier for the average user.
Liquidity Issues: Some less popular tokens may face liquidity issues on DEXs, making it difficult to execute large orders without impacting the market price.

The Future of Crypto Swapping

As blockchain technology evolves and more users become comfortable with digital currencies, the scope of crypto swapping will likely expand. Innovations like cross-chain swapping and integration with traditional financial systems could further enhance usability and appeal. Moreover, with increasing attention from regulators worldwide, more precise guidelines could lead to more widespread adoption and integration of crypto swapping into mainstream financial practices.

Conclusion

Crypto swapping is more than a technological novelty; it represents a fundamental shift in how individuals and businesses interact with the global financial system. By offering a secure, efficient, and accessible means of exchanging value, crypto swapping has the potential to contribute significantly to the democratization of finance. This shift could empower individuals by giving them direct control over their financial transactions, thereby reducing dependency on traditional banking institutions and systems that often impose cumbersome processes and high fees. Moreover, businesses could leverage this technology to streamline operations, cut transaction costs, and expand into global markets with fewer barriers. However, navigating the associated challenges and ensuring a favorable regulatory environment will be crucial for realizing its full potential. As such, ongoing dialogue between innovators, regulators, and stakeholders is essential to forge regulatory frameworks that safeguard participants while fostering innovation. In this evolving landscape, crypto swapping stands not as a disruption but as a transformative force with the power to redefine financial engagement on a global scale.