Anti-Ageing Drug Extends Mice Lifespan by 25%

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Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery that may pave the way for an anti-ageing drug capable of extending human lifespan and improving overall health. Laboratory mice treated with an experimental anti-ageing drug, referred to as “supermodel grannies” due to their youthful appearance, displayed remarkable improvements in various aspects of their health compared to their untreated counterparts. The study revealed that the treated mice lived nearly 25% longer, and showed enhanced vision, hearing, muscle function, metabolism, lung health, and a reduced risk of cancer. Additionally, the treated mice demonstrated improved hair quality and were spared from age-related issues such as hair loss and greying. These findings have sparked hope that the anti-ageing drug could potentially slow down the ageing process in humans, leading to longer, healthier lives.

The drug, which is already being tested in human trials, specifically targets interleukin 11 (IL-11), a pro-inflammatory cytokine of the IL-6 family associated with age-related diseases and lifespan. Deletion of Il11 or Il11ra1 in mice significantly protected them from metabolic decline, multi-morbidity, and frailty in old age. Notably, genetic deletion of Il11 extended the lives of mice by nearly 25%, while treatment with anti-IL-11 increased the median lifespan of male mice by 22.5% and female mice by 25%. These encouraging results suggest that inhibiting IL-11 through anti-IL-11 therapy could potentially have a significant impact on ageing pathologies in older individuals.

The groundbreaking discoveries made at Imperial College shed light on the malleability of the ageing process and the potential for targeted interventions to improve human healthspan and lifespan. This research not only offers hope for extending human longevity but also presents an opportunity to transform the way age-related diseases are managed and prevented. The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond simply adding years to life; they also encompass the possibility of adding life to years, by enhancing the quality of life in old age. As the quest for a longer, healthier life continues, the discovery of this anti-ageing drug marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of a healthier and age-resilient society.

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