There was a MAHA summit this week that raised several potential concerns for me.
Let’s start there.
Then we’ll go into the rest of the week’s news and research related to the regenerative medicine and stem cell field.
MAHA summit: peptides, compounding, and more
When I first heard there was going to be a MAHA summit this week, I wondered if unproven stem cells might somehow be a topic. I didn’t see that on the agenda.
One thing that caught my eye on the agenda is that Dave Asprey, who has been enthusiastic about unproven stem cells, was a panel moderator.
The session on compounding also struck me. Some might wonder what compounding pharmacies have to do with regenerative medicine. Check out my post from earlier this week with concerns on the regenerative and related peptide space. Compounders often supply peptides. Health influencers say peptides can do many useful things to one’s health including supposed outcomes related to regenerative medicine.
Given RFK Jr.’s interest in peptides I wonder if peptides were discussed at the summit. Unfortunately, it seems there is no video of the full meeting so not much transparency there.
Brigham Buhler of Ways2Well was the compounding session moderator. Ways2Well seems to be marketing peptides on its website. For example, I found this page offering injectable BPC-157 for $195. It is worth noting that consultation with a physician is required.
Longevity guy Bryan Johnson was also a participant at the summit.
More recommended reads
- Speaking of peptides and compounding, we have this: The trend of unproven peptides is spreading through influencers and RFK Jr. allies, AP. This article is from science journalist Matt Perrone.
- Then there’s also this: MAHA Is Embracing Elizabeth Holmes. Here’s Why. Politico. Apparently, Holmes and Bryan Johnson have bantered online too.
- The Editor Got a Letter From ‘Dr. B.S.’ So Did a Lot of Other Editors, NYT. Journals are being swamped with AI-written letters to the editor.
- What We Can Learn From Brain Organoids, NYT. Interesting piece from Carl Zimmer.
- Florida’s New Stem Cell Laws: Unburdened by What Has Been, Andrew Ittleman. I don’t entirely agree with everything here, but this piece is really smartly written from someone who has a deep knowledge of this arena. It’s a good read.
- First-ever atlas of brain development shows how stem cells turn into neurons, Nature. Whenever I see “first-ever” type statements, I have to say, “Are you sure?”
- In China, the Dream of Outrunning Time, NYT.
- Characterizing hypoxia-orchestrated post-stroke changes in oligodendrocyte precursor cells for optimized cell therapy, Stem Cell Reports.