CURRENT STATUS
Aging is being reframed as a modifiable driver of disease rather than an untouchable given. Senolytics that clear worn-out "senescent" cells are in human trials; partial epigenetic reprogramming rejuvenates tissues in animals; and geroprotectors like rapamycin and metformin are being tested for healthspan. Single-cell aging atlases enable precision, cell-type-specific interventions.
KEY BREAKTHROUGHS
Senolytics (dasatinib + quercetin, navitoclax) — clearing senescent cells to ease fibrotic and age-related disease in early human trials
Partial epigenetic reprogramming — transient Yamanaka factors rejuvenate retinal and other tissues in animal models (Altos, Retro, academic labs)
Aging clocks (epigenetic / proteomic) now quantify biological age, enabling trials to measure rejuvenation directly
Geroprotectors (rapamycin, metformin/TAME) being tested to compress age-related disease and extend healthspan
AI-COMPRESSED PIPELINE
AI TOOLS ACCELERATING CURES
KEY ORGANIZATIONS
KEY CLINICAL TRIALS
TAME — Targeting Aging with Metformin
ViewAmerican Federation for Aging Research / academic
A landmark trial designed to test whether metformin can delay the onset of multiple age-related diseases at once — and, just as importantly, to establish aging itself as a treatable indication regulators will recognize.
Senolytic Therapy (Dasatinib + Quercetin) for Age-Related Disease
ViewAcademic consortia (Mayo Clinic and others)
Human trials testing whether intermittent senolytic dosing can clear senescent cells and improve outcomes in conditions like pulmonary fibrosis, frailty, and diabetic kidney disease — proof-of-concept for treating a hallmark of aging.
TIMELINE ESTIMATE
Senolytics for specific age-related diseases: 3–6 years. Aging-biomarker-guided prevention: 5–10 years. Safe partial reprogramming in humans: 10–20 years.