A groundbreaking study reveals that a new drug has extended the lifespans of laboratory animals by nearly 25%, offering hope for slowing human aging. Treated mice, dubbed “supermodel grannies,” exhibited a youthful appearance, better health, strength, and fewer cancers compared to untreated peers.
Investigating Interleukin-11
Researchers from the MRC Laboratory of Medical Science, Imperial College London, and Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore focused on interleukin-11, a protein linked to increased inflammation and aging. They conducted two experiments: one genetically engineering mice to prevent interleukin-11 production, and another administering a drug to purge the protein in older mice.
Remarkable Results
Published in Nature, the study showed lifespans increased by 20–25% depending on the experiment and the mice’s sex. The treated mice also demonstrated improved muscle function, leaner bodies, healthier fur, and lower cancer rates.
Prof. Stuart Cook acknowledged the seemingly extraordinary results but emphasized the robustness of the data. “I try not to get too excited…there’s lots of snake oil out there,” he said, adding that trialing the drug in humans could be “transformative” if successful.
The drug is currently being trialed in patients with lung fibrosis
The critical question remains whether the drug will have the same effect in humans and if any side effects will be tolerable. Interleukin-11 plays roles in early development and scarring, raising concerns about its manipulation. The drug is currently being trialed in patients with lung fibrosis, showing promising safety data.
This discovery is part of a larger effort to treat aging with drugs. Other compounds, such as metformin and rapamycin, are also under investigation for their anti-aging properties. Prof. Cook believes a drug would be more practical than severe calorie restriction for extending life.
Future prospects
Prof. Anissa Widjaja of Duke-NUS Medical School expressed optimism about the relevance of these findings to human health, based on similar effects observed in human cells and tissues. The research marks a significant step toward understanding and potentially extending healthy aging.
Ilaria Bellantuono, professor of musculoskeletal aging at the University of Sheffield, praised the solid data but highlighted challenges, including the lack of patient evidence and the high cost of such drugs. Treating every 50-year-old for life remains impractical.
This promising research opens new avenues for extending healthy lifespans, though more studies are needed to determine its feasibility and safety in humans.