Question 1

What is Rifampicin (RIF)?

Accepted Answer

Rifampicin (RIF) is a gamified compound token operating on the Solana blockchain, designed to support longevity research involving the compound Rifampicin. Traditionally an antibiotic, Rifampicin is being studied for its potential anti-aging properties, particularly its effects on enhancing cellular defences against stress and damage. The RIF token is a central component of the **Pump.science** platform, a decentralised research protocol focused on accelerating scientific discoveries in longevity through blockchain and gamification. This model allows participants to fund, monitor, and trade tokens tied to real-time scientific experiments.

Question 2

What is Rifampicin (RIF) used for?

Accepted Answer

RIF tokens are used to fund and engage with scientific experiments exploring Rifampicin's role in extending lifespan. Through the Pump.science platform, users can:

- **Propose and support longevity experiments** involving Rifampicin by purchasing RIF tokens.  
- **Track live experimental data** from studies on organisms such as *C. elegans* (worms), with planned expansions to flies, mice, and eventually human trials.  
- **Trade RIF tokens** in prediction markets where the value is influenced by the success of the related experiments.  
- **Monetise intellectual property (IP)**, as token holders retain rights that could be licensed or sold to chemical suppliers for broader applications.

By gamifying the research process, RIF supports faster, cost-efficient, and community-driven scientific discovery.

Question 3

Who created Rifampicin (RIF)?

Accepted Answer

Rifampicin (RIF) was launched by **Pump.science**, a decentralised science (DeSci) platform that integrates blockchain technology with scientific research. Pump.science operates within the broader DeSci ecosystem alongside contributors such as **Molecule** and **BIO Protocol**. These entities aim to democratise funding and innovation in scientific research, particularly focusing on longevity studies. The platform uses decentralised funding mechanisms, gamification, and community participation to address the challenges of speed, cost, and data quality in drug discovery.

***Although 'RIF' was the ticker assigned at the deployment of the RIFA Token's smart contract, it is already in use by another asset that has a larger market presence and higher trading volume on major exchanges. Due to this pre-existing association and to avoid confusion in the marketplace, the alternative ticker 'RIFA' has been adopted for this token. This designation is specifically used to ensure that assets are distinctly identified.***