Anti-Aging Drug Passes First Human Trial

Since prehistoric times, humans have always been most enthusiastic about the prospect of cheating death. Though most attempts in the past only ended up in failures. And in some cases, even quicker death than without. Researchers at the University of Texas in Austin had successfully tested an anti-aging drug on humans for the first time.

Though it’s common knowledge that all cells in our body will eventually die just like us. What people don't know is the fact that not all of the cells are replaced by our body.

They are senescent cells.

These cells are unable to divide and replicate, but they are still ‘alive’ by sending chemical signals. They are what we believe to be the chief perpetrator behind our natural aging process.

Early trials suggest that this assumption might be correct, after all.

Way back in January 2019, Musi and his colleagues published a study on EBioMedicine journal on the results of a drug trial they conducted on 14 human patients. These patients suffer from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), which is fatal by nature. Their only saving grace being a concoction of drugs that the researchers believed would eliminate senescent cells in their body. The drugs did not just ‘rejuvenate’ them in the literal sense; they were also especially useful at improving their state of health.

Dasatinib and Quercetin were administered to the patients in three weeks in nine doses, respectively a Leukemia drug and a type of supplement. They reported being able to walk at a farther distance than before at the end of the trial, and most importantly, feeling better in general. The researchers did not observe any substantial side effects following the trial.

Whenever it comes to a method that can potentially become an effective anti-aging therapy, we must take it with a grain of salt. Though these results are all positive and it’s worth getting excited over, we don't know the true effectiveness of the drugs in the long run just yet.

But worry not, that’s what the researchers are trying to find out. They have been feeling rather optimistic about the project. That’s why the next set of trials is in order. The list has also been updated with 15 more patients with lung issues, along with 20 other patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease.