In the metaphysics of identity, there is a paradox that asks whether the ship of Theseus, which over time has had every part replaced with new, remains the ship of Theseus or if the original has ceased to exist. Can the same question be asked of the human body, which is constantly regenerating itself?
Longevity researchers say a drug that kills old cells has passed its first human trial. The drug clears out senescent cells, dead or damaged cells that are unable to divide but still able to produce chemical signals. Researchers believe these cells have something to do with the aging process and hope that clearing them out from the body will help produce better health outcomes as we age. In the first human trial, patients with diopathic pulmonary fibrosis showed improved health over the course of treatment. Researchers will continue testing the supplement on older patients with life-threatening diseases, and will be watching to see if the drug has any efficacy as an anti-age treatment.
If it does, who will have access to this miracle drug? What will happen to the world’s population levels? Who will be the relative handful of people who get to live healthy lives into their 100s? What happens next?
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