At Gordian Biotechnology, we believe great ideas can come from anywhere and that sparking new conversations is one of the fastest ways to move aging research forward. That’s why we launched our recent essay contest: to challenge scientists, entrepreneurs, and thinkers from all backgrounds to tackle one big question:

What could or should pharma research groups interested in aging biology focus on to accelerate the translation of research into therapeutics?

We received entries from across the aging biology community, each bringing a unique perspective and a creative take on how to turn promising science into real-world impact.

Among these, one essay stood out for its clarity, strong scientific grounding, and vision for near-term clinical translation: Soleil Ava Wizman’s proposal to target follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as a novel lever for healthy aging.

FSH levels spike dramatically during menopause in women and rise steadily in men with age. Research shows these hormonal shifts contribute to bone loss, metabolic dysfunction, visceral fat accumulation, and possibly neurodegeneration.

Soleil’s essay draws on genetics, epidemiology, and preclinical studies to make the case for FSH inhibition as an aging therapeutic. She highlights MS-Hu6, a novel antibody from the Zaidi Lab at Mount Sinai, which in animal models preserves bone mass, reduces fat, and improves cognitive performance.

Her roadmap: begin with postmenopausal osteoporosis, where the unmet need and regulatory precedent are clear, and expand into other age-related conditions that share this biology.

For her award, Soleil received a ticket to the 12th Aging Research and Drug Discovery (ARDD) Conference, where she’ll join a global community of scientists, clinicians, and innovators shaping the future of aging therapeutics. We’re excited to see her ideas spark new dialogue — and perhaps inspire the next wave of breakthroughs!

The full essay can be found Here.