New York, NY— The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) has released findings from a series of cross-sector think tanks hosted in 2021 to discuss the what's needed next to strengthen the field of aging research, advance therapeutic interventions, and foster global collaboration.
Nearly two-dozen experts from the biotech, biology, philanthropy, and private sectors convened to explore opportunities and gaps in research, therapeutics, and collaboration, sharing their ideas and wrestling with tough questions about the main challenges and most promising areas facing aging research today.
Insights, opinions, and predictions from the GeroFutures Think Tanks are captured in a new report, which summarizes key findings from discussions on:
- Supporting Basic Science and Geroscience
- Inviting Investment in Gerotherapeutics
- Preparing the Translational Research Pipeline
As captured in the GeroFutures Think Tanks Report, two major takeaways emerged:
- The need for an F.D.A. indication for aging and improved regulatory pathways, which would open the door to promising therapeutics and potential investments, and
- The need for international collaboration between private and research sectors, as well as interdisciplinary research on aging.
The Think Tanks were led by AFAR Board Member Richard G.A.Faragher, BSc, ARCS, DPhil, Professor of Biogerontology School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, UK, and envisioned by AFAR's International Advisory Task Force. Dr. Faragher also presented findings from the report at a special event during UK Longevity Week on November 17, 2021. Watch a recording here.
"We hope this report encourages knowledge sharing, fosters potential collaborations and investments, and inspires innovative new approaches to aging research," notes AFAR Executive Director, Stephanie Lederman, EdM.
