Question 350 of 433
Has reprogramming been tried in humans?
The short answer
Yes, for the first time, in June 2026. It is a small safety study in the eye. Results are not yet known.
A Boston company dosed the first patient with a gene therapy called ER-100, which delivers three Yamanaka factors to the retina of people with glaucoma or a type of sudden optic nerve stroke. The genes can be switched on and off with an antibiotic pill. The eye was chosen because it is small, enclosed, and easy to monitor.
This is a milestone. It is also Phase 1, which tests safety, not benefit. Other heavily funded companies are still working in animals, and one plans its first human study, in the liver, for 2027. A whole-body version is many years away, if it ever comes. Nobody can sell you this today.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
EARLY HUMAN SAFETY RESEARCH — Eye disease: first-in-human reprogramming; efficacy and long-term risk unknown.Evidence grade (draft mapping)BLimited or small human studiesPart 23, Q350 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.