Harvard claims it found elixir of youth – but experts call it ‘hype’

Harvard scientists have identified chemical cocktails that can reverse aging in human and mouse skin cells by several years. Dr. David Sinclair, a molecular biologist at Harvard Medical School, sees this as a breakthrough toward affordable whole-body rejuvenation. However, some scientists remain skeptical and call the study preliminary. Previous methods of reversing aging involved expensive and time-consuming genetic editing processes.

The new study, published in the journal Aging, builds on Nobel Prize-winning research into anti-aging genes. The researchers discovered six chemical cocktails that can reverse cell aging and rejuvenate human cells within a week. These cocktails showed promising results in both mouse and human cells. The study suggests that this treatment could have similar effects to a year-long regenerative treatment described in a landmark 2019 study.

The study assessed age changes using rodent and human transcriptomic clocks, which predict biological age based on gene expression data. Sinclair believes this discovery could lead to a single pill that can reverse aging and treat age-related diseases. However, not all biologists are convinced. They argue that the researchers should have shown improvements in age-related health problems in mice before making such claims. While the screening method is innovative, more evidence is needed to support the effects on biological aging.

Dr. Charles Brenner, a metabolism researcher, raised concerns about three compounds in the study: CHIR99021, tranylcypromine, and valproic acid. According to him, CHIR99021 blocks glycogen formation, which occurs during sleep to store energy, leading to less nighttime hunger. He stressed the potential risks and questioned the evaluation of cell identity in the study.

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