Defeat aging - scientists tested a unique drug

Researchers have conducted successful experiments with drug 991, which activates the AMPK protein. The agent increased the lifespan of yeast, worms, and fruit flies by up to 25%, slowing aging. Scientists plan tests on mice, but clinical trials on humans are still far off.

Researchers from the UK Medical Research Council have conducted successful experiments with drug 991, which directly activates the AMPK protein—a cellular "fuel sensor" involved in maintaining energy balance. The drug was tested on three model organisms: yeast, nematodes, and fruit flies. In all cases, the intervention was associated with increased lifespan, with a maximum effect of about 25%. Team leader Dr. Helena Kosheme considers it significant that results were obtained on three substantially different organisms, allowing further work on mammals. In the next phase, scientists intend to test the drug on mice. However, Professor Philippe Cabreiru emphasized that there is still a long way to go before clinical trials on humans. The researchers note that some existing drugs, including metformin, also affect AMPK but not directly, complicating result interpretation. The authors consider their work the first study showing that direct pharmacological activation of AMPK can slow aging in several different species.