For the first time, a human has received a gene therapy designed to reverse cellular ageing. Developed by Life Biosciences, the therapy, known as ER-100, targets optic nerve damage, aiming to restore function in patients suffering from conditions like glaucoma and optic neuropathies.
This innovative approach uses three proteins—Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4—to perform partial epigenetic reprogramming, effectively resetting the cellular age. Unlike DNA, which remains stable, the epigenetic code changes over time due to various factors, leading to diseases. ER-100 aims to restore this code, potentially reversing harmful cellular changes.
The implications of this therapy extend beyond eye diseases. If successful, it could pave the way for treatments targeting age-related conditions across various organs. Life Biosciences is already exploring additional therapies for liver disease and other age-driven ailments, indicating a broader therapeutic potential.
As interest in reversing ageing grows, companies like Retro Biosciences and Shift Bioscience are also developing similar therapies. This surge in research could significantly impact healthcare, potentially extending healthy lifespans and changing how we approach age-related diseases.
Source: Euronews
