When Nir Barzilai specialised in anti-ageing science 30 years ago, it was an act of hope. Now, the Israeli-American scientist believes the world is on the cusp of turning hope into reality, finding transformational drugs that prevent the effects of ageing that used to be viewed as inevitable.

The top scientist at GlaxoSmithKline will leave the pharma giant to help lead a start-up founded by a cadre of billionaires who seek immortality.