Heike Fuhrmann-Stroissnigg
Heike Fuhrmann-Stroissnigg is the Founder and Principal of Zeitlos BioStrategy, a consultancy dedicated to translating aging biology into clinically viable therapeutics. With more than 20 years of experience spanning academia, biotechnology startups, and large pharmaceutical companies, she focuses on de-risking preclinical programs and guiding aging-focused innovations toward successful IND submissions. Her work centers on senotherapeutics and age-related diseases, helping founders and investors pressure-test biological mechanisms, define translational endpoints, and build milestone-driven development strategies grounded in rigorous data.
Heike began her scientific career in Austria, earning her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Vienna before moving to the United States for postdoctoral research at The Scripps Research Institute. There, she played a pioneering role in the emerging field of senolytics, developing single-cell high-throughput screening assays that contributed to the identification and validation of foundational senolytic compounds such as Quercetin & Dasatinib, Fisetin, and Navitoclax. She also coined the term “senomorphics,” establishing a new class of senotherapeutic drugs. Her academic work resulted in multiple peer-reviewed publications and helped shape the scientific foundation of the longevity therapeutics field.
Transitioning into industry, Heike held leadership roles at Gilead Sciences and Rubedo Life Sciences, where she led in vivo pharmacology efforts, mechanistic target validation, biomarker strategy, and IND-enabling studies across fibrosis and aging-related programs. Today, through Zeitlos BioStrategy, she operates at the critical inflection point between discovery and development—ensuring that promising biology is supported by strategic coherence, reproducible data, and regulatory-ready narratives. Her guiding philosophy is clear: filter scientific vision through the lens of data, not belief, so that the most rigorous and deserving programs reach the clinic.
• Executive Certificate in Project Management
• University of Vienna - PhD
• Society of Biotech Genetics (Austria)
• Women's Group at Scripps Research Institute
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and genuine curiosity. I consistently seek opportunities to grow, ask thoughtful questions, and expand my knowledge. As a goal-oriented professional, I set clear objectives and stay focused and disciplined in achieving meaningful results.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to embrace the unexpected, because new and meaningful opportunities often emerge when you least expect them. I’ve learned to stay open to change, never give up when challenges arise, and keep moving forward with resilience and determination.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the industry to stay positive and motivated, even when faced with challenges. Keep your options open and remain willing to explore new opportunities that support your growth. Continue investing in your education and professional development, and always lead with kindness and respect—your character and relationships will be just as important as your skills.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field is developing strong pre-clinical strategies and clear nonclinical roadmaps for aging-related interventions. The aging space is highly multifaceted, with many groups proposing different approaches to improving healthspan. A critical need is to objectively evaluate which biological targets and drug development pathways are truly viable for clinical translation. This creates an important opportunity to guide founders and investors toward the most scientifically sound strategies, helping focus resources where they are most likely to generate meaningful and successful outcomes in healthcare.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are kindness and respect for others. I strive to be a supportive and impactful mentor, valuing diverse perspectives and creating space for others to grow. Above all, I am motivated by the desire to make a meaningful difference each day, both professionally and personally.
Locations
Zeitlos BioStrategy
Foster City, CA 94404