ReversABLE 246: Why We're Not Never Meant to Live Forever, and How We Might Do It Anyway - with Dr. Bill Andrews
Feb 6, 2026
Dr. Bill Andrews, telomere researcher who discovered human telomerase and founded Sierra Sciences, shares his lifelong drive to tackle aging. He explains why humans may have a ~125-year limit, how telomeres act as a cellular clock, and the hunt for telomerase-inducing compounds like Telo-Vital. Short chats cover the aging-cancer link, misleading biomarkers, and how environment, inflammation, and lifestyle fit into the picture.
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How Andrews Discovered Telomerase
- Dr. Bill Andrews recounts hearing Calvin Harley describe telomere shortening and immediately offering to help.
- Within three months and 17 days his team discovered human telomerase and showed it could re-lengthen telomeres.
Telomerase Inhibition Risks Cancer Evolution
- Inhibiting telomerase can kill cancer cells but may drive higher mutation rates and telomere-maintaining alternatives.
- Telomerase inhibition alone risks producing more aggressive, therapy-resistant tumors.
Leaving Geron To Chase Aging
- Geron investors chose to prioritize cancer therapies over anti-aging despite telomerase findings.
- Andrews left Geron to found Sierra Sciences and focus singularly on curing aging.