Elizabeth Parrish: The CEO Who Tried Gene Therapy to Defy Aging
Portrait of Elizabeth Parrish, based on Longevity World Forum photo
Elizabeth “Liz” Parrish, the CEO and co-founder of BioViva USA Inc., is a bold and visionary figure in the field of biotechnology. In 2015 at the age of 44, Parrish made headlines by becoming the first person to undergo an experimental gene therapy designed to slow or even reverse aspects of human aging. Rather than waiting for traditional trials and approvals, she volunteered to test the therapy on herself – believing that the science was ready and the need for better aging solutions was urgent.
What the Gene Therapies Were Designed to Do
BioViva’s approach focused on two key gene therapies. The first was intended to increase muscle mass and prevent the muscle loss that comes with age. This was done by using a gene that inhibits a protein called myostatin, which limits muscle growth. The second therapy aimed to lengthen telomeres, protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that naturally shorten as we age. Short telomeres are linked to a number of age-related diseases, so by lengthening them, the goal was to promote healthier, longer-lived cells.
Why She Took the Risk
Parrish’s decision to be the first human test subject came from both personal and professional motivations. Her son’s diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes sparked her frustration with how slow the medical system can be in delivering life-changing treatments. She felt strongly that if BioViva’s therapies were truly safe and had potential to help millions, then she, as the company’s leader, should take the first step. By doing so, she hoped to inspire more urgency and innovation in the fight against aging and age-related illness.
The Results After Six Months
Six months after receiving the gene therapy, Parrish reported several positive changes. A lab test showed that the telomeres in her white blood cells had lengthened by about 9%, from 6.71 kilobases (kb) to 7.33 kb, potentially reversing about 20 years of biological aging in those cells. Her blood markers also improved and her triglyceride levels, which measure fat in the blood, were cut in half. In addition, her blood sugar levels dropped by approximately 25%, and signs of inflammation in her body were greatly reduced. Imaging scans also showed a small increase in muscle mass and a reduction in fat within the muscle tissue. Most importantly, Parrish did not report any harmful side effects from the treatment.
With gene therapy you can make cells that create antibodies and proteins that keep the cell young. We have to get to what is happening at the cellular level rather than just waiting for symptoms to emerge.”
— Liz Parrish, Interview for Tomorrow Edition on November 22, 2017
Current Health and Long-Term Outcomes
Since receiving the therapy in 2015, Elizabeth Parrish has reported no serious side effects. She continues to lead an active and healthy life, with blood markers remaining normal and consistent over the years. According to her own updates and third-party lab tests, her telomeres remain longer than average for her age. She reports feeling stronger and healthier overall. Additional gene therapies she has received since, including ones targeting cognitive and metabolic health, have also resulted in no adverse effects. While these results are encouraging, experts emphasize that they are based on a single case and require more rigorous study.
Why the Results Must Be Viewed with Caution
While these results are promising, they must be viewed with caution. Because she was the only person tested, and because the trial took place outside of standard regulatory approval processes, many scientists have called for more rigorous research before drawing conclusions. Some experts also noted that telomere measurements can vary naturally and that results from blood cells don’t always reflect what’s happening in other parts of the body. Nevertheless, her case has opened up new discussions about the potential of gene therapy to treat aging.
The Future of BioViva’s Research
Since then, BioViva has continued its research and development, aiming to create gene therapies that target multiple hallmarks of aging. The company is working with global partners to start formal clinical trials that meet safety and ethical standards. Their goal is to eventually make such treatments widely available, under proper scientific oversight.
A Bold Step toward Treating Aging
In summary, Liz Parrish’s decision to test anti-aging gene therapy on herself was a daring move. But it brought attention to a fast-growing area of science. Her early results suggest real promise, though much more research is needed. Whether or not these treatments become common in the future, Parrish has helped shift the conversation. She has pushed science and society to take the idea of treating aging more seriously.
