In a thought-provoking interview, Dr. Marco Quarta, an influential figure in the longevity research field, discussed his journey, current research endeavors, and the vital role of cellular senescence in aging. Dr. Quarta is at the forefront of developing therapies targeting senescent cells, which he regards as pivotal in combating age-related diseases and enhancing longevity.

Understanding Cellular Senescence

Cellular senescence, a state in which cells cease to divide and become dysfunctional yet remain metabolically active, has emerged as a significant contributor to aging and age-related pathologies. Senescent cells can accumulate with age and lead to chronic inflammation, contributing to conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Quarta's approach focuses on senolytic therapies, which aim to selectively eliminate senescent cells, thus potentially reversing some aspects of aging.

The Vision Behind Rubedo and ALEMBIC

Dr. Quarta is the founder of Rubedo, a start-up dedicated to exploring senolytic drug candidates. Utilizing a platform called ALEMBIC, which stands for Algorithms for Life-Extending Medicine with Biology, Informatics, and Chemistry, Rubedo aims to develop targeted therapies that account for the heterogeneity of senescent cells. The name ALEMBIC draws inspiration from the ancient alchemical device, reflecting Dr. Quarta's belief in merging traditional wisdom with modern scientific advancements.

  • Rubedo’s Goals: Develop new treatments that effectively address cellular senescence.
  • ALEMBIC’s Function: Leverage multi-omics technologies to identify and characterize different types of senescent cells.

Research Contributions and Insights

Dr. Quarta's academic journey has been shaped by a range of experiences from studying brain aging to working on regenerative medicine. His contributions in the field highlight how aging is not merely about the passage of time but is influenced by various biological processes that can potentially be manipulated for therapeutic benefits. His work emphasizes:

“Aging is a complex systems problem, interrelated at every level of biological organization.” – Dr. Marco Quarta

Current Clinical Trials and Targets

Rubedo recently announced a clinical trial focusing on dermatological conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, which are less invasive entry points for investigating senolytic therapies. This approach allows for a more observable assessment of aging impacts:

Trial Phase Indications Objective
Phase 1 Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis Assess safety and therapeutic engagement
Future Phases Chronic Inflammatory Skin Diseases Evaluate efficacy in aging processes

This dual approach aims not only to treat symptomatic conditions but also to analyze the underlying mechanisms of skin aging. According to Dr. Quarta, the trial findings will also contribute valuable data reflecting systemic aging markers.

The Importance of Collaboration in Longevity Research

Dr. Quarta believes in the collaborative nature of scientific research. He co-founded the Phaedon Institute to unify efforts from academia and industry, emphasizing the need for joint initiatives to advance longevity research:

  • Goals of the Phaedon Institute: Foster collaboration, improve scientific rigor, and create a supportive ecosystem for longevity research.
  • Upcoming Events: Organizing the Senotherapeutic Summit to explore critical advancements in the field.

Future Directions and Conclusions

The future of longevity medicine, as envisioned by Dr. Quarta, involves the integration of various therapeutic modalities tailored to specific diseases and conditions. Senolytics are a crucial part of this landscape, but their application must be informed by continuous research and clinical insights. There is a hopeful outlook for a future where proactive interventions can address senescence before diseases manifest:

By understanding the complex interplay of aging processes, innovative therapies can be developed to enhance healthspan rather than merely extending lifespan. As Dr. Quarta asserts:

“Removing senescent cells is an important part of the longevity medicine toolkit; it creates opportunities to apply other rejuvenating interventions.” – Dr. Marco Quarta

Further Reading and Resources

For those interested in diving deeper into the science of cellular senescence and its implications in aging, visit Lifespan.io, a resource for longevity research and advocacy.

Literature Cited

[1] Quarta, M. (2025). Exploring Cellular Senescence: A Complex Systems Approach. Journal of Longevity Research.