Life Biosciences has gained the green light to initiate clinical trials for its innovative drug, ER-100. This marks the inaugural use of a therapy that employs epigenetic reprogramming, a technique hailed as a highly promising avenue in the quest for a potential "longevity pill." The clinical trials will focus on patients suffering from "eye stroke" (NAION) and glaucoma, which is a major contributor to irreversible blindness globally. Currently, approximately 60 to 80 million individuals are affected by glaucoma, a number that continues to rise as the world’s population ages.
In 2006, Professor Shinya Yamanaka made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the reversal of cellular biological age, which earned him the Nobel Prize in 2012. His pioneering research revealed that mature cells could be transformed into stem cells. Over the next two decades, the primary challenge faced by scientists was discovering a method for achieving "partial rejuvenation," allowing cells to regain youthful characteristics without losing their specific functions or risking tumor formation. The ER-100 trial represents the first significant clinical attempt to tackle this challenge.
How does it work? Patients will receive microinjections of ER-100 directly into their eyes. A modified virus is used to deliver genetic instructions to the cells, stimulating the production of three Yamanaka factors. These proteins do not alter DNA; rather, they target the epigenome, which consists of chemical markers regulating gene expression. Within the cell, these factors execute a form of “deep cleaning,” eliminating age-related epigenetic damage, enabling older cells to function with the efficiency of younger ones.
The treatment is initiated through the administration of conventional doxycycline tablets, and it can be halted at any moment simply by stopping the medication. If successful, this technology could also be adapted to address conditions such as dementia, cardiovascular diseases, muscle degeneration, and other aging-related issues.
Do you believe that science can overcome aging? ❤️ — yes, it's just a disease ⚡️ — no, it's against nature
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