Scientists have developed an experimental drug called "991" that has shown the ability to extend the lifespan of yeast, worms, and fruit flies by up to 25%, a step that brings them closer to developing drugs that may slow some of the effects of aging in the future.
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The drug works by activating the "AMPK" protein, which plays a pivotal role in regulating energy within cells. It functions like a "fuel meter," monitoring energy levels and stimulating cells to maintain them when resources are limited, such as during fasting or exercise.
Experiments showed that direct activation of AMPK by the drug extended the lifespan of three evolutionarily distant organisms: fission yeast, nematodes, and fruit flies. The researchers believe the success of the experiment in these organisms encourages testing the drug in mammals, and the team plans to study its effects in mice.
However, scientists emphasize that the results do not yet mean that the drug is capable of extending human lifespan or slowing down aging.
Professor Felipe Cabrero of the UK Medical Research Council said the field is still very far from clinical trials for anti-aging in humans, noting that aging is not technically classified as a disease.
He explained that improving health during old age could bring significant benefits to public health, as advancing age is a major risk factor for many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and dementia.
The AMPK protein is attracting increasing attention from scientists due to its role in metabolism, inflammation, and cell repair, as well as its association with diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. While some medications, including metformin (used to treat diabetes), affect AMPK indirectly, the drug 991 directly targets the protein, allowing scientists to study its activation more precisely.
Dr. Helena Koshimie of the Medical Research Council said the study provides the first evidence that directly targeting AMPK with a drug can achieve longevity-prolonging benefits in organisms.
The study was published in the journal Aging Cell.
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