In an exclusive interview with BioPharma Boardroom, Dr. Mehmood Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Hevolution Foundation, shares insights into the trends shaping the field of aging research in 2025. From drug repurposing and epigenetic breakthroughs to leveraging AI and advancing global accessibility, Dr. Khan emphasizes the critical role of collaboration in transforming healthspan science. With a commitment of up to $1 billion annually and over $400 million already invested, Hevolution Foundation is driving research and innovation to ensure that the promise of extended healthspans becomes a global reality.

What major trends in aging research do you foresee gaining momentum in 2025, and how is Hevolution Foundation supporting these trends?

The field of healthspan science is still emerging, and as we gain momentum, we’re seeing a spike in the number of researchers and studies that are deepening our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying aging. This is why we exist; Hevolution is committed to advancing the field of aging through increasing the number of researchers, expanding the number of companies and attracting funding to the field.  

One area of opportunity is drug repurposing. By identifying new applications for existing drugs, including those that have not reached clinical trials, we can expedite the development of treatments that address age-related conditions. This approach allows us to leverage previous safety and efficacy data, accelerating the path to market and making these solutions more accessible and affordable worldwide. In line with our mission, drug repurposing exemplifies how we can compress development timelines to bring meaningful healthspan solutions to more people, more quickly.

Epigenetic and biological age testing is another development, one that’s gaining traction globally and within the Gulf region. Unlike chronological age, biological age—measured through molecular markers—could potentially identify individual’s risks for age-related diseases. By advancing epigenetic research, we’re enabling a future where healthcare can shift from sick care model to preventative model – extending healthspan as a result.  

AI and advanced technologies will help advance aging research, allowing us to use AI’s ability to analyze complex biological data and accelerate the developments of therapeutics, making healthspan science not only more innovative but more accessible. 

Central to all of these advancements is our commitment to global accessibility. These breakthroughs cannot—and must not—be limited to a select few. Hevolution’s investments emphasize scalability and equitable access, ensuring that emerging healthspan technologies and therapies can reach people across different socioeconomic backgrounds and regions. Hevolution Foundation is here to catalyze and accelerate the field while validating these developments through science. With a budget of up to $1 billion annually to drive advancements in aging science, we have already committed over $400 million in grants and early-stage funding, solidifying our role as the largest philanthropic funder in geroscience. 

How does the Hevolution Foundation’s mission of promoting healthspan align with the broader global goals of increasing access to innovative therapies?

Our guiding principle is that everyone—no matter their socioeconomic or geographic background—should have the chance to live a healthier, longer life. As an impact-driven organization, Hevolution helps make emerging healthspan technologies more accessible and less risky for the market, which in turn makes it possible for more people across the world to access the type of groundbreaking solutions that will expand our healthy years of life. 

What partnerships are crucial to Hevolution Foundation’s efforts in translating aging research into practical, scalable therapies?

Achieving our mission to accelerate aging research and translate it into accessible, scalable therapeutics requires an ecosystem of collaboration—one that unites academic research, government, policy, and investment sectors. Each of these fields brings unique expertise to unlock the future of healthy aging.

On the academic side, Hevolution Foundation is working with leading institutions, such as the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, the Buck Institute, the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), and universities. Aging affects all of us, yet international collaboration has been limited. This has been a constraint on the field’s potential. As a global non-profit, Hevolution can bridge the gap between research and drug development through funds and grants and building partnerships that transcend borders.

Public-private partnerships are the bridge that transform aging research from theory to practice. Collaborating with biotech and pharmaceutical companies is essential to overcome the “valley of death” that so often hinders early-stage innovation. Scaling therapeutics to the marketplace requires the input, expertise, and reach of these industries. We saw this with the COVID-19 vaccine, which was brought to market quickly and effectively due to the scale and commitment of large corporations. Innovation alone is vital, but without the infrastructure and depth of established industry leaders, therapeutic solutions will struggle to reach those who need them most.

Engaging with regulators, policymakers, and advocates is equally critical. By working with governments, NGOs, policy makers, scientists and the private sector, we aim to ensure that the benefits of aging science are accessible to all.

A key part of our commitment to bringing everyone to the table is the Global Healthspan Summit (GHS). As a convener of stakeholders across sectors, GHS – the world’s largest event of its kind – provides a unique platform to kick off discussions among researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. Scheduled for February 4-5, 2025, this summit not only serves as a forum for sharing insights and showcasing advancements but also as a catalyst for future collaborations. 

How is Hevolution Foundation addressing the socioeconomic and ethical challenges of ensuring that longevity science benefits all populations, not just the privileged?

Our approach combines a global, impact-driven funding model with strategic partnerships across sectors and borders. By collaborating with leading academic institutions, biotech and pharma companies, and public health organizations worldwide, we help bridge the gap between research and producing therapeutics. 

Our funding programs are open globally, reaching underrepresented markets like Latin America —and expanding to other regions where healthspan advancements can have transformative impacts. As a global non-profit, we are uniquely positioned to make impact investments and engage with stakeholders to advocate for the benefit of all.

" Dr. Mehmood Khan’s vision for advancing healthspan science reflects not just a commitment to innovation but a deep dedication to equitable access and global collaboration. As the field of aging research gains momentum in 2025, Hevolution Foundation stands as a pivotal force, bridging the gap between groundbreaking discoveries and scalable, inclusive solutions. At BioPharma Boardroom, we look forward to witnessing how Hevolution’s mission reshapes the future of aging science and inspires a healthier, more accessible tomorrow for all."

(editor@biopharmaboardroom.com)