This is an interesting approach to the aging problem:
The study, led by Assistant Professor Corina Amor Vegas, utilized a technique known as CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T cell therapy.
This “living” drug is already known for its effectiveness in treating certain blood cancers, having received FDA approval in 2017.
However, Amor Vegas and her team are the first to demonstrate its potential beyond cancer treatment, showing its remarkable ability to rejuvenate and slow down aging in mice.
The results observed in mice were significant. They displayed a reduction in body weight, enhanced metabolism and glucose tolerance, and increased physical activity, all without any tissue damage or toxicity.
“If we give it to aged mice, they rejuvenate. If we give it to young mice, they age slower. No other therapy right now can do this,” said Amor Vegas.
Note that the FDA approved this in 2017. This could significantly reduce the time to market for use as an anti-aging drug. And it would seem that doctors could start prescribing it off label immediately.
I like living in the future.
I’ve seen this episode (and the sequel) before, so I have one question:
What effect does it have on fertility?
Slowing aging and rejuvenating the aged sound great, but side effects matter, too.
Those were some of the best episodes of the entire Stargate franchise.
Agreed. Those links say the writers were going for three episodes on that arc, but the producers said no. I would love to have seen what else they did with it.
But IIRC, scientists usually don’t try to breed lab mice after they’ve been used for testing — the breeding stock is separate from the test population — so the question remains: What effect does the drug have on future fertility?
Ya, how did the Zen master put that? We’ll see.
Already having one foot in the grave, and another on a banana peel? I’ll stick with Jesus as my best hope for living in the future.
And no real side effects to worry about.
If this stuff actually works the ONLY people who will have access to it are the rich and powerful. They do NOT want us hoi polloi living longer. They believe there are too many of us already and want many of us DEAD. So this magical new anti aging drug…if effective…will be TIGHTLY controlled.