OpenAI has made a significant move into the field of longevity science with the launch of GPT-4b micro, an AI model specifically designed to analyze biological data.

Retro Bio's ambitious mission is to extend healthy human lifespan by a decade, focusing on therapeutics that target the underlying mechanisms of aging, particularly leveraging Yamanaka factors.

The GPT-4b micro model is tailored for protein engineering, aiming to enhance protein functions, which sets it apart from AlphaFold, which primarily predicts protein shapes.

This innovative model was developed in partnership with Retro Biosciences, a biotech company dedicated to extending healthy human lifespan through anti-aging therapeutics, supported by substantial funding from OpenAI founder Sam Altman.

AI commentator David Shapiro highlighted the groundbreaking potential of this model in the medical field, predicting that it will eventually surpass human experts in performance.

The results from this research are anticipated to be published soon, generating considerable excitement within the longevity science community.

Allison Duettmann, CEO of the Foresight Institute, praised the collaboration between OpenAI and Retro Biosciences, emphasizing the critical role of AI in advancing longevity research.

Dr. Hilary Lin pointed out that the announcement reflects a widening gap between rapid AI advancements in scientific research and the traditional healthcare system, which remains focused on treating diseases rather than promoting healthspan.

However, Yuri Deigin, founder of YouthBio Therapeutics, cautioned that the focus should not solely be on improving Yamanaka factors, but rather on discovering new factors that can rejuvenate cells without the need for reprogramming.