Question 418 of 433
Is anyone testing a true anti-aging drug in people?
The short answer
Yes, in several ways, though none has reported a result that would change practice.
The XPRIZE Healthspan is a $101 million competition to restore muscle, thinking, and immune function in older adults by the equivalent of ten to twenty years. Twenty finalist teams were chosen in 2026. Their one-year human trials run through 2029, and the prize will be awarded in 2030.
Rapamycin and relatives are being tested in small trials for immune function, gum disease, ovarian aging, and muscle.
The metformin trial, TAME, is still without full funding after a decade.
Dogs may be first. A daily pill intended to extend healthy life in older dogs has cleared two of the three requirements for conditional FDA approval. If it works in dogs, who share our homes and our diseases, it will be the strongest signal yet.
“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
RESEARCH STATUS — Healthspan programs and veterinary candidates are not established human anti-aging treatments.Evidence grade (draft mapping)Grade pendingPart 28, Q418 · 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.