Anti-Ageing Drug Trials Show Promising Results as ageing can now be slowed
Anti-ageing BREAKTHROUGH: Drug to REVERSE ageing in immune system
A new drug has significantly extended the lifespans of laboratory animals, sparking hope for human longevity.
“Supermodel Grannies” Defy Ageing
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have achieved nearly a 25% increase in the lifespan of laboratory animals using an experimental anti-ageing drug.
Healthier, Stronger, and Cancer-Resistant
Dubbed as “supermodel grannies” due to their youthful vitality, the treated mice exhibited enhanced health, strength, and a reduced incidence of cancer compared to their untreated counterparts.
Transition to Human Trials
The drug, currently undergoing human trials, holds promise in extending human lifespan, although its efficacy remains uncertain.
The Quest for Longevity
Humanity’s pursuit of longer life spans has been a constant theme throughout history, with recent advancements focusing on manipulating biological ageing processes.
Unraveling the Molecular Secrets of Ageing
Researchers from the MRC Laboratory of Medical Science, Imperial College London, and Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore investigated interleukin-11, a protein associated with ageing.
Biological Switches and Ageing
Interleukin-11 levels increase with age, contributing to inflammation and accelerating the ageing process by altering biological mechanisms.
Experimental Breakdown
Researchers conducted two experiments:
- Genetically engineering mice to inhibit interleukin-11 production.
- Administering a drug to eliminate interleukin-11 in older mice, equivalent to middle-aged humans.
Results and Insights
Published in Nature, the studies revealed a lifespan extension of 20-25%, varying with experimental conditions and gender.
Health Benefits Beyond Longevity
Mice lacking interleukin-11 showed reduced cancer rates and improved muscle function, with better overall health indicators.
Professor Stuart Cook’s Perspective
Professor Stuart Cook cautiously welcomed the results, emphasizing the need for rigorous data analysis amid skepticism in the scientific community.
Potential for Human Application
The drug’s potential impact on human ageing remains a critical question, along with concerns about potential side effects.
Interleukin-11: From Development to Ageing
While crucial for early human development, interleukin-11’s role later in life may contribute to age-related ailments.
Current Applications and Future Prospects
The drug, an antibody targeting interleukin-11, is also undergoing trials for lung fibrosis, indicating initial safety in humans.
Diverse Approaches to Anti-Ageing
Various drugs, including metformin and rapamycin, are under scrutiny for their potential anti-ageing properties, reflecting a burgeoning field of research.
Challenges and Considerations
Professor Cook highlighted the challenges of prolonged calorie restriction versus drug therapies, underscoring quality of life concerns.
Global Collaborative Research
Conducted across leading institutions, including the MRC Laboratory of Medical Science and Duke-NUS Medical School, the study paves the way for future advancements in ageing research.
Professor Anissa Widjaja’s Insights
Professor Anissa Widjaja expressed optimism that findings in mice could translate into human health benefits, based on parallels observed in human cell studies.
Expert Opinion: Professor Ilaria Bellantuono
Professor Ilaria Bellantuono acknowledged the study’s robustness while cautioning about the necessity for patient data and cost-effectiveness in drug production.
