Special report on aging investigates the
latest science, key biological drivers and companies driving the
development of potential "Fountain of Youth" candidate
drugs
LONDON, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
BioWorld published by Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT), a
global leader in providing trusted information and insights to
accelerate the pace of innovation, today announced the release of a
new report, Extending the Human Lifespan, which examines the
science around extending our time on earth alongside our quality of
life. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the latest
science, the key biological drivers that can be targeted
pharmacologically and the companies developing these potential
"Fountain of Youth" candidate drugs.
According to United Nations data, the global population of
people 65 and older rose 468% between 1950 and 2020. This dramatic
increase in population reinforces the goals of researchers and
companies to develop ways for people to live longer in a healthy
way. Biopharmaceutical research can positively impact the
prevention of diseases that come with aging, thereby extending life
for the masses. Many forward-thinking scientists are focusing on
the biology of aging. While no drug will halt the inevitable
process of getting older each year, anti-aging drugs could
simultaneously reduce the risk of multiple age-related illnesses,
such as Alzheimer's, cataracts, strokes and other diseases of
aging. In addition, equitable access to drugs and therapies
tackling aging could reduce health care costs in a major way and
improve quality of life.
The BioWorld special report explores these scientific advances
in a four-part series paired with the latest episode of BioWorld
Insider Podcast, Extending the Human Lifespan. Key report findings
include:
- There are currently 139 trials testing seven existing drugs
targeting aging, some of which reliably extend lifespan in one or
both sexes by up to 30%, including metformin, sirolimus,
resveratrol, alendronic acid, denosumab, donepezil and zoledronic
acid. But the number of therapeutics being studied to combat aging
is much bigger.
- Cortellis Clinical Trials Intelligence™ lists another 106
trials of those therapies in clinical development for everything
from osteoporosis to Alzheimer's disease. There are dozens of other
therapies in development as well, with 26 current clinical trials
for end-stage renal disease, liver cirrhosis, Alzheimer's disease,
cancers, infectious diseases and osteoarthritis and other aging
conditions.
- According to BioWorld data, from 2020 through early
July 2022, $1.95 billion was raised through 38 financings
for private aging disease companies. Cortellis Clinical Trials
Intelligence lists 16 current clinical trials focused on metformin,
sirolimus and resveratrol – three therapies that have shown
positive results in aging indications. Expanding to recently
completed trials, the list climbs to 33.
- There is a clear risk of anti-aging approaches
exacerbating gender differences in health span. The male body has
been used as biology's baseline for much of the last century. The
majority of what is known about aging comes from the study of
males, with the female sex being understudied.
- The overlap between science and commerce can be problematic for
several reasons. It may become hard to distinguish consumer
marketing from solid evidence-backed science, especially as it
relates to research that extends lifespans.
- In the biopharma industry, sirtuins have highlighted some of
the challenges in translating aging research. Research in the early
2000's suggested that activation of sirtuins could extend lifespan,
but the idea of getting enough resveratrol to boost lifespan
through the diet in forms such as red wine was, ironically,
short-lived.
Lynn Yoffee, Publisher,
BioWorld said: "Researchers in the life sciences are pioneering
new work related to our existence. In order to ensure society and
patients can benefit from therapies old and new, it is critical
that we understand the implications of these discoveries. The new
BioWorld report delves into whether research can validate if we can
live longer in a healthy way, if therapies can both extend life and
reduce the risk of multiple age-related illnesses, whether
equitable access to these therapies is possible and more."
For more exclusive, in-depth analysis of the concept of
extending lifespan, read the multipart special report here.
About BioWorld
With writers and editors stationed around the
globe, BioWorld published by Clarivate, reports
the breaking news – and provides key perspective on hundreds
of therapeutics and devices in development, the companies behind
those candidates, the business development transactions that evolve
the markets, and the regulatory hurdles that both challenge and
guard the processes. BioWorld has a long tradition of
excellence in journalism. Collectively, the news services have been
honored with 63 awards dating back to 1998, including 15 for
its daily news services.
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Media Contact:
Catherine Daniel
Director, External Communications, Life Sciences &
Healthcare
media.enquiries@clarivate.com