Cure Aging or Die Trying

Lunch and Lecture- Dr. Bill Andrews, CEO of Sierra Sciences

Friday, November 6th, 2009 (12 pm to 1 pm) at McCormick & Schmick's - 11:30 a.m. Check-in, 12 p.m., Lunch & Lecture ($35)
335 Hughes Center, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Please RSVP by e-mail jlaub@regenmd.org

Can We Slow Down the Aging Process?
Yes - By Reversing the Telomeres Shortening Process

Reno-based Sierra Sciences is a company devoted to finding ways to extend our lifespans beyond the theoretical maximum of 125 years.

Scientific research has shown that this theoretical maximum is limited because of the length of our telomeres which shorten as we get older. Our reproductive cells don't experience this shortening, and thus don't age, because they contain an enzyme called telomerase that re-lengthens the telomeres as they shorten. Sierra Sciences is searching for pharmaceuticals that will induce the production of telomerase in all our cells.

On November 6th, 2007 Sierra Sciences found its first telomerase inducing chemical; called C0057684. This chemical is the first ever discovered that activates the telomerase gene without killing the cells. Efforts are presently underway to learn everything possible about C0057684. But, in addition, C0057684 has provided Sierra Sciences with the first positive control ever for detection of telomerase gene activity in normal human cells. This has served as a very powerful tool for the development of robust high throughput screening assays for finding additional telomerase inducing chemicals. As such, in the last year Sierra Sciences has discovered an additional 62 chemicals that activate the telomerase gene. This now enables the scientists at Sierra Sciences to design better chemicals with increased potency and specificity. Additional screening for even more chemicals is also underway.

As of October 20th, 2009: Sierra Sciences has screened 158,244 compounds. They have found 470 telomerase inducers which represent 33 distinct drug families. The company is screening 4,000 compounds per week.

Science Can Cure Aging

Bill Andrews, Ph.D. - President & CEO of Sierra Sciences

Dr. Andrews leads the scientific research and development function of Sierra Sciences. Under Dr. Andrews' direction, Sierra Sciences has discovered and filed patent applications on many previously unknown, key elements of the regulation of telomerase. Dr. Andrews' team at Sierra Sciences is now pursuing direct molecular approaches to temporarily activate telomerase expression, and is performing high-throughput screening and drug discovery efforts.

While Director of Molecular Biology at Geron Corporation, Dr. Andrews was one of the principal discoverers of the telomerase genes. He was awarded 2nd place as "National Inventor of the Year" in 1997 for this work, with his name appearing on numerous related patents and publications.

Dr. Andrews earned his Ph.D. in Molecular and Population Genetics at the University of Georgia in 1981. He was a Senior Scientist at Armos Corporation and Codon Corporation, Director of Molecular Biology at Codon and at Geron Corporation, and Director of Technology Development at EOS Biosciences.

As of April 2006, Dr. Andrews' name appears on 23+ issued US patents specifically related to telomerase, as well as 10 other patents in molecular biology. He has more than 25 refereed publications and abstracts. At Sierra Sciences, he has been responsible for all aspects of research, all of Sierra Sciences' patent applications, and all R&D facility and equipment matters.