November 6, 2024

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Top 4 Breakthrough Anti-Aging Drugs that Could Extend Your Healthy Years

Top 4 Breakthrough Anti-Aging Drugs that Could Extend Your Healthy Years



Top 4 Breakthrough Anti-Aging Drugs that Could Extend Your Healthy Years

As human life expectancy increases, aging-related diseases are becoming a major challenge for global health systems.

Conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, closely associated with aging, are now key areas of public health focus.

At the upcoming Longevity Investors Conference, Dr. Nir Barzilai of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine will delve into anti-aging medicine and potential drug choices, offering a fresh perspective on health management for aging populations.

 

In recent years, the concept of “Geroscience” has led scientists to explore fundamental aging mechanisms, investigating ways to prevent and delay aging-related diseases.

Research in this field suggests that if a drug can affect biomarkers of aging, it may offer broad health benefits beyond specific diseases.

 

Top 4 Breakthrough Anti-Aging Drugs that Could Extend Your Healthy Years

 


Potential Anti-Aging Drugs

Through extensive evaluations, Dr. Barzilai’s team has identified 12 drugs with potential anti-aging effects, four of which have shown significant results in human trials.

According to Dr. Barzilai, the ideal anti-aging drug should not only treat specific conditions but also offer general anti-aging benefits.

The team’s top four drugs, selected for their ability to reduce mortality based on recent evidence, include SGLT2 inhibitors, metformin, bisphosphonates, and GLP-1 receptor agonists.

 

  1. SGLT2 Inhibitors
    Scoring 12 points, SGLT2 inhibitors top the list. Originally developed as glucose-lowering medications, these drugs work by reducing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. In addition to their metabolic benefits, they can reduce oxidative stress, suppress inflammation, and improve vascular function. Studies show these drugs may extend healthy lifespan and lower overall mortality rates.

  2. Metformin
    As one of the world’s most widely prescribed diabetes medications, metformin is well-known for treating type 2 diabetes. Its anti-aging potential has also garnered attention, with studies showing it can not only lower blood sugar but may also extend lifespan. Animal studies have found that metformin can increase nematode lifespan by 40% and healthy lifespan in mice by over 10%. Research by the Chinese Academy of Sciences has shown that metformin can delay aging in primates, reducing biological age by up to 6 years.

  3. Bisphosphonates
    Bisphosphonates, commonly used to treat osteoporosis, have a unique chemical structure that binds strongly to bone tissue, specifically targeting areas of active bone remodeling. This makes them highly effective in reducing bone resorption and enhancing bone density, making them the third-ranked drug in terms of promoting healthy aging.

  4. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
    GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic incretin effects, making them effective for diabetes management and weight loss. These drugs regulate insulin and glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying, and increase satiety, offering numerous health benefits. Emerging research suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists may protect cardiovascular health, enhance cognitive function, and potentially slow down aging.

 

A New Path to Anti-Aging Drug Development: From Centenarians to Genetic Research

Dr. Barzilai is also conducting a longitudinal study on centenarian families to identify longevity genes and factors influencing extended lifespan. For instance, PCSK9 inhibitors, developed following the discovery of the PCSK9 gene in 2003, have proven effective in lipid reduction and cardiovascular protection, marking a breakthrough in managing hyperlipidemia.

Merck and Ionis Pharmaceuticals, inspired by genetic research, have also developed CTP and ApoC-III inhibitors, which may contribute to healthy aging breakthroughs in the future.

 

Future Directions for Anti-Aging Drug Trials

Looking ahead, Dr. Barzilai’s team aims to advance large-scale clinical trials to confirm the efficacy and safety of anti-aging drugs like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists. These drugs have demonstrated potential not only in glucose control and weight management but also in slowing aging.

In anti-aging research, scientists are also investigating these drugs’ effects on skin and organ functions. Key drugs with promising anti-aging properties in human studies include:

  1. Rapamycin
    An mTOR inhibitor initially used for immunosuppression, rapamycin has shown potential in aging research by extending lifespan and boosting immune function in animal models. It has demonstrated benefits for skin health and organ aging, though further research is needed to assess its long-term safety.

  2. NAD+ Precursors (e.g., NMN)
    NAD+ levels decline with age, affecting cellular energy metabolism. NAD+ precursors like NMN and NR have shown promise in restoring cellular health and delaying aging. Animal studies have found that NMN can delay neurodegeneration and improve cardiovascular and kidney function.

  3. Squalene
    A natural lipid found in human skin and some plants, squalene has anti-aging potential as a skin supplement. It offers antioxidant protection and enhances skin moisture, reducing wrinkles. Research indicates it can slow skin aging and repair UV damage, though its effects on other organs remain under investigation.

  4. Metformin
    Beyond metabolic benefits, metformin has shown potential in human trials to delay aging. Research has found that diabetic patients taking metformin have lower rates of cardiovascular disease, and some data suggest an extension in overall lifespan.

  5. Fullerene
    Fullerene, a carbon molecule with powerful antioxidant properties, may help reduce cellular damage and combat aging. While it is already used in skincare, animal studies show potential for lifespan extension, and further human research could reveal broader anti-aging applications.

 

Multidimensional Anti-Aging Drug Research

In conclusion, anti-aging drug research is advancing towards multidimensional goals, focusing on both lifespan extension and quality of life improvement.

With advancements in genomics and biomarker testing, scientists can precisely monitor these drugs’ effects on aging, optimizing future applications for personalized health management.

Top 4 Breakthrough Anti-Aging Drugs that Could Extend Your Healthy Years

References:

  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.08.021 (2024).2. Mohammed, I., Hollenberg, M. D., Ding, H. & Triggle, C. R. Front. Endocrinol. 12, 718942 (2021).3. Martin-Montalvo, A. et al. Nature Commun. 4, 2192 (2013).
  • Mohammed,I.,Hollenberg,M.D.,Ding,H.&Triggle,C.R.Front.Endocrinol.12,718942(2021).
  • Martin-Montalvo,A.et al.Nature Commun.4,2192(2013).

(source:internet, reference only)


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