Israeli scientists develop anti-aging drug

The breakthrough is related to its study based on the discovery of a group of molecules that make it possible to repair cells that degenerate over time.

The researchers analyzed the impact of different treatments on human life and quality of life and have shown how molecules can protect human organisms and cells from damage and prevent degeneration.

The mitochondria, the power stations of the cell, ensure the production of energy. They can be compared to tiny electrical batteries that help cells function correctly. While these batteries continue to wear out, our cells have a sophisticated mechanism that eliminates defective mitochondria and replaces them with new mitochondria.

This mechanism is hampered by age, resulting in cellular dysfunction and deterioration of tissue activity, and a growing number of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cardiac arrest, and sarcopenia (lost muscle mass and strength).

The study resulted in the development of compounds that have the potential to prevent and treat incurable diseases. it also demonstrated that compounds can be safely taken orally.

In the future, we hope we can significantly delay the development of many age-related illnesses and improve people’s quality of life, Prof. Ben-Sasson said.

Itzik Goldwaser, CEO of Yissum, HUJI’s technology transfer company, remarked that “the results of Ben-Sasson and Gross have significant value to the world’s aging population”.

To pursue the crucial study and transform it into a medical treatment, the research team founded Vitalunga, a start-up that now develops this drug in collaboration with Yissum.

While Vitalunga is moving towards preclinical studies, they are closer than ever to minimizing the unbearable burden of aging-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, have on individuals, their families, and our health care systems, Goldwaser added.