Episode 57: Biohacking the Future: Mac Davis on Self-Experimentation and Plasmid Gene Therapy

The DNA of Things with Dr. Jeremy Koenig

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Koenig talks with Mac Davis, biotech entrepreneur and founder of Minicircle, Inc. They explore Mac's unconventional journey from cryptocurrency to pioneering plasmid-based gene therapies, diving into revolutionary approaches to genetic enhancement and philosophical perspectives on human evolution.

Key Takeaways:

• Minicircle's Innovation: Mac Davis has developed a gene therapy platform using circular DNA (plasmids) that can deliver targeted genes to enhance human health and potentially extend lifespan.
• Self-Experimentation Journey: Mac and his co-founder tested their first follistatin gene therapy on themselves after animal studies, experiencing significant muscle growth, fat reduction, and improved wellbeing.
• Adapting to Modern Challenges: Minicircle therapies could help humans adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions and toxins (microplastics, PFAS) that our bodies didn't evolve to handle.
• Beyond Disease Treatment: The therapies target both disease conditions (HIV, ALS, Crohn's) and potential enhancement of human capabilities through genes like klotho, associated with higher IQ and improved brain health.
• Biology as Information: Mac describes plasmids as an "information technology" - similar to books or websites - that can spread beneficial biological information between people.
• The Future of Enhancement: "Plasmids work" is Mac's central message - they represent an accessible, effective technology for gene transfer with vast untapped potential for intentional human biological enhancement.

LINKS:
https://www.drjeremykoenig.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjeremykoenig/
https://www.youtube.com/@drjeremykoenig

Here's the link for this week's episode: https://drjeremykoenig.substack.com/p/the-polygenic-tapestry