Benji Leibowitz, founder of the decentralized science (DeSci) platform Pump Science, was recently interviewed and explained why it is necessary to combine drug development with blockchain, allowing everyone to invest in the future value of drugs and participate in life extension research. Although Pump Science’s innovative model of “experimentation is investment” has attracted a lot of attention, it has also caused a lot of controversy.

Originated from dissatisfaction with the traditional research model of drugs

Leibowitz said Pump Science was founded out of his dissatisfaction with the traditional model of scientific research. He pointed out that there is a gap between academic research and the market, which prevents ordinary people from participating in it and investing in specific drugs. “Pump Science’s goal is to allow more people to participate in drug research, invest in promising compounds, and benefit from them,” Leibowitz said.

Drug IP and data tokenization, ordinary people can also participate

The core model of Pump Science is "drug tokenization", which converts the intellectual property rights (IP) of drugs into tokens on the blockchain, allowing investors to trade for a specific drug without being forced to purchase the entire drug. stocks of biotechnology companies.

From DeSci to life-extending drug development

Pump Science mainly focuses on drugs related to life extension, and has currently launched two tokens, namely Rifampicin (RIF), which can treat tuberculosis, and Urolithin A (URO), which promotes cell function and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The value behind these tokens comes from the data in the drug research and development process. Leibowitz said Pump Science conducts experiments to test the effects of these compounds on animal lifespan and uses the results as a basis for assessing market value. He added: "If there was a compound that could extend the life of flies, consumers might be interested in it."

As of now, the total market value of the two tokens is about 114 million. The funds come from transactions and are used for experiments, ranging from small organisms to human research.

Leibowitz said the core of Pump Science's model is to use transactions to sponsor experiments. When the market value of the token reaches a certain scale, these funds will be used to conduct experiments, including testing on some small organisms such as earthworms and fruit flies, and eventually expand to human research.

All experimental progress will be made public immediately, allowing investors to trade based on the data. In the future, there are also plans to cooperate with wearable device companies to collect human body data, such as heart rate and muscle endurance, to further verify the effect of the drug.

Not only life extension, explore brain power improvement and other areas

In addition to life-extending drugs, Pump Science is also interested in smart drugs (Nootropics). Compounds or pharmaceutical supplements that can enhance cognitive abilities such as nicotine or caffeine are examples of smart drugs, but there are currently many that are not available. The compounds being studied.

Through this "experimentation as investment" model, Pump Science hopes to allow users to participate in every step of drug development and find potential "gems" in the market.

Criticized for reducing research credibility, use blockchain to break myths

Leibowitz said that although Pump Science’s model is considered new, it has also attracted a lot of criticism. Some traditional scientists believe that combining scientific research with cryptocurrencies will reduce the credibility of scientific research. However, Leibowitz emphasized that Pump Science’s transparency can break these doubts: “All transactions and research funding flows will be open and transparent on the blockchain.”

Government blocks life extension funding applications

At the same time, Leibowitz also pointed out that current research funding is extremely limited. Because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not classify aging as a disease, research related to life extension is often underfunded.

Engage consumers and the market to study life extension together

He further said that the traditional medical model is not designed to extend life, but more to treat existing diseases, such as cancer or heart disease. Leibowitz believes that the entire system is more about "making money off patients" than about helping people live longer. Therefore, Pump Science’s goal is to break away from the traditional medical system and promote life extension research from the consumer and market levels.

Future outlook, from experiments to market-ready products

Pump Science plans to launch an e-commerce platform in early 2025 to directly sell experimentally verified supplements, and use part of the sales proceeds to repurchase tokens on the Pump Science platform, and then destroy the tokens to further increase the value of the tokens.

Pump Science also expects to launch around 20 new tokens this Christmas, covering more compound research as well. “We want to enable anyone to participate in scientific research, submit their own experimental ideas, and support products of real value,” Leibowitz said seriously.

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This article DeSci Platform Pump Science: Drug tokenization is the future, inviting the public to participate in life extension research first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.