The First Therapy that Targets Aging is in Human Trials Now
Senolytics are the first therapies that directly target one of the aging processes in order to delay or prevent age-related diseases, and they are now in human trials. Today, we think that it is the ideal time to have a look at how they work and what companies are involved.
Senescent cells and aging
As we get older, more and more of the cells in our bodies become dysfunctional and enter into a state known as senescence. These senescent cells no longer divide or support the tissues and organs of which they are part; instead, they secrete a range of harmful inflammatory chemical signals, which are known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).
Dr. Judith Campisi from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, along with her research team, identified that senescent cells secrete the various harmful chemicals that characterize the SASP in 2008, which was when interest in senescent cells really began [1]. In 2010, building on this initial research, Dr. Campisi went on to show the link between the SASP and cancer [2]. We…
