Health security

Major anti-aging breakthrough as ‘magic bullet’ targets ‘zombie cells’

Scientists at the Mayo Clinic have seen ‘highly significant and dramatic’ results from anti-aging drugs trials on both mice and humans. The studies were so successful, in fact, the drugs may be on the market in the next two years.

In tests on mice, the researchers extended the animals’ lifespan by 36 percent or the equivalent of 30 human years while keeping their fur glossy and eyes bright.

In human trials on patients with the debilitating condition idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, in which the lungs become scarred, greatly restricting breathing, researchers reported “highly significant and dramatic” results.

Patients who typically never see any improvement in their condition, were able to move faster and further than before after just nine doses over the course of three months.

There are currently six human trials underway, with six more due to begin soon, and should they prove successful, the drug could hit the market in as little as two years, pending approval.

“Most people don’t want to live to 130 and feel like they’re 130 but they wouldn’t mind living to 90 or 100 and feel like they’re 60,” Dr James Kirkland, a clinical geriatrician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota told The Telegraph.

“And now that can actually be achieved in animals.”