In an insightful episode of the SlateCast, Paul Kohlhaas, the visionary behind BIO Protocol, engaged with
CryptoSlate CEO Nate Whitehill and Senior Editor Liam “Akiba” Wright to delve into the transformative potential
of biotechnology through decentralized science (DeSci). Kohlhaas shared BIO Protocol’s ambitious plans to innovate
biotech funding and research using open-source methodologies.
Reimagining Biotechnology for Humanity
BIO XYZ transcends traditional biotechnology projects. Kohlhaas describes it as:
“BIO XYZ represents a movement to embrace biotechnology and to reclaim its open-source nature for the benefit of humanity.”
This initiative is inspired by the concept of “bio-accelerationism,” paralleling the acceleration of artificial intelligence.
Kohlhaas advocates for a perspective that regards biotechnology as a fundamental layer of life, similar to the role
of AI in intelligence.
He also noted the anxiety surrounding genetic engineering, drawing comparisons to the early trepidations associated with AI.
“People often express fear regarding genetic advancements. Yet, just as AI has embraced decentralization, we envision
a similar shift in biotechnology.”
DAOs: Empowering Patients and Innovators
At the heart of BIO Protocol’s innovation is the use of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) to connect
scientists, patients, and investors. These DAOs empower communities to fund targeted research addressing critical
medical issues. Highlighting the success of VitaDAO, Kohlhaas stated:
“VitaDAO successfully funded research on autophagy activators—substances aiding healthy cells in disposing of old
cells, which led to groundbreaking drug discoveries.”
In this decentralized framework, patients play an integral role, contributing funding and insights. “Patients often
understand their needs best,” remarked Kohlhaas, underscoring the necessity of including patient communities in the
early phases of biotech research.
Bridging Financial Gaps in Drug Development
One critical challenge facing biotech innovation is the so-called “Valley of Death,” which refers to the funding
shortfall between initial discoveries and clinical trials. Kohlhaas articulated that many promising therapies fail to
reach the market due to this gap.
“The journey to market for a drug costs, on average, about $2.6 billion and takes a decade, with most expenses tied
to unsuccessful drug trials.”
BIO Protocol aims to mitigate this issue by enabling DAOs to provide vital funding to high-potential research,
fostering transparency and public involvement that starkly contrasts with the opaque nature of traditional biotech.
Ethical Implications in Decentralized Science
Addressing ethical queries raised by Wright and Whitehill, Kohlhaas emphasized the potential of self-regulating
frameworks as an alternative to conventional government oversight.
“While ethical considerations are paramount, self-regulating systems can facilitate public accountability effectively.”
He highlighted transparency in drug development processes, especially in light of the controversies surrounding COVID-19
vaccine data.
“Certain data from initial vaccine trials remains confidential for 55 years. Decentralized science could help
eliminate such opacity, making essential data widely accessible.”
Pharma’s Shift Towards Decentralized Solutions
Interestingly, the pharmaceutical industry is beginning to acknowledge the benefits of BIO Protocol’s decentralized
approach. Kohlhaas noted that major pharmaceutical firms are recognizing the potential of decentralized science,
citing Pfizer Ventures’ investment in VitaDAO in 2023.
“The pharma sector requires ongoing innovation, and they view DeSci as a means to access new advancements with
reduced risks.”
This model promises quicker access to funding and shorter development timelines. For instance, a project at Newcastle
University, financed by VitaDAO, transitioned from proposal to funded research in just three weeks—an
unprecedented pace within the biotech domain.
The Future of Biotech: Collaborative Experimentation
Looking ahead, BIO Protocol envisions a biotech landscape characterized by open collaboration and rapid experimentation.
The DAO framework allows communities to co-fund projects and engage in clinical trials, offering a more democratic
and efficient method for drug advancement.
“Envision a DAO focused on developing a new diabetes treatment—if capital allocation occurs effectively, we could
organize clinical trials on a scale never seen before,” Kohlhaas proposed.
Additionally, ongoing initiatives like “Pump Science” enable public participation in live experiments using model
organisms like worms and flies, aimed at accelerating experimental development and fostering public involvement in
scientific inquiry.
With its decentralized approach, BIO Protocol aspires to democratize biotechnology, empowering patients, scientists, and
the broader community. As interest from scientific and pharmaceutical circles grows, decentralized science stands
poised to redefine the future of healthcare innovation.
