New Drug Extends Mice Lifespan by 25%, Shows Potential to Slow Human Aging

A new study has revealed a drug that effectively increases the lifespan of laboratory mice by 25%. This drug is known as the anti-IL-11 antibody. It shows its potential to slow down human aging. These mice are known as “supermodel grannies.” They showed a youthful appearance, healthier, stronger, and fewer cancers as compared to untreated counterparts. 

The drug’s effectiveness in combating human ageing is still unknown. But the quest for longer life has fascinated humanity. Scientists know the ageing process is adaptable, as demonstrated by laboratory animals living longer when food intake is reduced. Ageing research is thriving as scientists explore molecular mechanisms behind aging. 

Researchers from Imperial College London and Duke-NUS Medical School are studying interleukin-11. It is a protein that increases with age. It causes inflammation and activates biological processes that accelerate aging. 

In this study that was recently published in the journal Nature, researchers genetically engineered mice to prevent interleukin-11 production. Then they administered a drug to 75-week-old mice to purge it.  

When researchers observed the results, they found that this treatment showed a 20-25% increase in lifespan, depending on the experiment and the mice’s sex, depending on the mice’s age and experiment. 

Older mice that were lacking interleukin-11 showed significantly lower cancer rates. They also showed improved muscle function and had better frailty scores compared to those who had higher levels of interleukin-11. 

The main question is still unanswered about its effects on human health. Interleukin-11 protein is involved in human development and also increases the risk of development of some complications such as joint problems, skull bone fusion, dental emergence and scarring. 

Professor Cook believes that this drug would be more practical than severe calorie restriction. He believes that living a life of hunger and suffering would not be desirable for people living another five years. 

Reference Link:  

Inhibition of IL-11 signalling extends mammalian healthspan and lifespan | Nature