X-Message-Number: 11168
From: 
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1999 22:29:11 EST
Subject: research

The tape set of the 21st Century Medicine seminar has not arrived
yet--apparently they sold out quickly and more must be run off. However,
Charles Platt has written a report of the seminar and authorized Edgar Swank
(American Cryonics Society) to send it to John Bull for publication in the
upcoming issue of THE IMMORTALIST. Our thanks to both.

With respect to cryonics-related research, many details of the new
cryoprotectants, vitrification agents, ice blockers and procedures were
withheld in the seminar because of patent applications pending, but there is
still enough information to allow others to do some investigation. Even though
we cannot match the 21CM resources, Cryonics Institute and collaborators will
do judiciously selected experiments to try to judge whether we can use the new
approaches in the interim, pending clarification of the patent situation and
availability of licenses. 

(We will also continue with previously scheduled work to improve our present
glycerine-based procedures.)

The previously reported intention of 21 CM to offer stock for sale in early
1999 has been changed, as announced by Saul Kent on Cryonet. Apparently the
progress made has been so encouraging that the company now envisions either
(a) funding its growth from revenues, or/and (b) waiting to sell stock until
demonstrated successes might make a public offering more appealing.

Mr. Platt's comments, and reported comments by 21CM personnel, to the effect
that research with a direct focus on cryonics may have to be funded by
cryonicists, are somewhat unclear. 

If they mean that cryonicists must fund 21CM to do this work, does this mean
cryonicists are asked to donate to a for-profit firm? Seems unlikely. Nor does
it seem likely that 21CM will want to tell prospective investors that any
substantial part of their resources will be spent on work affecting only
cryonics. Possibly they envision a separate cryonics research organization,
coordinated with and licensed by 21CM. 

Further, we know that Saul Kent and Bill Faloon, principals in 21CM, are
highly motivated by a desire for results--both in anti-senescence and in
cryonics--that will be available for them personally whenever needed, even if
that need is unexpectedly soon. This desire must somehow be reconciled with
the needs of 21CM as a for-profit company that may want to go public at some
point. Probably those running 21CM do not know themselves yet how it will
shape up; we'll just have to wait and see.

Minor note: According to the report, Greg Fahy's previous cryoprotectant,
VS4-1A, used "formamide" in addition to other ingredients. Which formamide is
not mentioned. 

Robert Ettinger
Cryonics Institute
Immortalist Society
http://www.cryonics.org

Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=11168