Life extension has been one of mankind’s oldest endeavors at various times in history. Alchemists already tried to achieve an effect when they found the supposed elixir of life. But what seemed only fiction can become reality.
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A new study by Waipapa Taumafa Rau (University of Auckland, New Zealand) has found evidence of a drug that can extend a person’s lifespan. The substance is used to treat cancer but can prolong life by 10% or up to 3 years.
The drug can extend a person’s lifespan by up to 3 years
The study was published in the journal Nature Aging and included experiments on middleaged mice. They were divided into two groups, one fed a control and the second given the drug called alpelisib. The drug is normally used to treat advanced or metastatic breast cancer and is sold under the name Piqray.
Observed results
The mice that used the drug were able to extend their lifespan and showed healthier signs as they aged. Among the gains we can highlight the improvement in motor coordination and the greater gain in muscular strength. However, some of the mice showed greater wear and tear on bone mass.
Can drugs be used on humans?
The drug can be used in people who need specific treatments, but not to extend their lifespan. There is still no data guaranteeing the safety of using this drug in this way.
“Aging isn’t just about length of life, it’s also about quality of life,” says researcher Chris Hedges. “Therefore, we were pleased to see that this drug treatment not only increased the longevity of the mice, but also showed many signs of healthier aging.” We are now working to understand how this happens.”
Troy Merry, another of the researchers involved, is stepping up care. “We are not suggesting that anyone should take this drug long term to extend shelf life as there are some side effects,” he said. “But this work identifies critical mechanisms for aging that will be useful in our efforts to extend lifespan and health.”