Blood, Biotechnology and Well-Being with David Wellis, Ph.D.

Week of March 14, 2026

Overviews of Genetics, Cellular Therapies and Aging
Over the past 20 years, biological discoveries and healthcare technologies have evolved at breakneck speed. It is now possible to read your entire genetic blueprint in a few hours, reprogram your immune cells to kill cancer, and mine amounts of data never imagined, all to more effectively treat us more precisely as individuals. Individuals and communities will live longer and healthier lives, and it all starts with our blood!

DNA and Genetics
The discovery of the molecular structure of DNA by Watson and Crick in 1952 has cracked wide open the understanding of our genetic blueprint, how single molecular changes in our DNA can cause disease, how our DNA directs how we respond to therapies, and how we can now edit our DNA to eradicate disease, with technologies such as CRISPR. DNA sequencing and editing technologies applied to agriculture and microorganisms, bacteria and viruses, will enable us to realize both precision medicine and more importantly precision health.

Cellular Therapies
Pharmaceutical development is at an amazing inflection point, using cells to replace damaged and diseased tissues. Cellular therapies are now being applied clinically, after the earlier waves of chemical drugs, such as aspirin, and biologics, such as antibodies (i.e., Humira). The treatment of cancer has leveraged the latest drug development and now it is possible to reprogram your own immune system to fight cancer.

Aging
While cancer involves the aberrant growth of cells, cell aging occurs through similar genetic changes. Scientists now believe our bodies were designed to live longer than we do, and it’s the inhibition of disease that will enhance longevity. Will genetically manipulating individual cells allow us to live both disease-free and longer? In this program we will also briefly review the biology of skincare and wound repair.

 

David Wellis, Ph.D., is a renowned cell biologist, innovator, and entrepreneur with over 30 years in the life science industry. He currently serves as CEO of FreMon Scientific, advancing precision thawing technologies for improved clinical outcomes. Previously, he was co-founder and CEO of Excellos and led the San Diego Blood Bank, connecting donors with research and clinical opportunities. Dr. Wellis has held leadership roles in antibody and biomedical research, trained at UC Irvine, Emory, Tufts, and UC Berkeley, and contributes to national health and biotech organizations. Recognized as one of San Diego’s Most Influential People, he’s also a frequent speaker at major scientific and leadership forums, including the Young Presidents Organization and the White House.