Do Anti-Ageing Pills Really Work? Here's What Research Shows

Imagine a situation wherein you go for a routine checkup and everything comes out to be fine—except for one inevitable fact that you are growing old. But what if your doctor pulls out a notepad and says, "Here's a prescription that might slow the process, keeping you healthier for a longer time and even extending your lifespan."

While the aforementioned conversation might look like something out of science fiction, a growing body of research suggests anti-ageing drugs could soon be a reality. These pills are created to extend our "healthspan," which are the years we live free from chronic illness, while potentially increasing our overall lifespan. Some of these promising therapies are already here, ranging from common dietary supplements to repurposed medications for conditions like diabetes and cancer.

Studies conducted on animals provide hope. In December 2021, researchers from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in China's Shanghai conducted a study on mice to discover that a natural component present in grapes helps slow down ageing. They observed that this natural component called procyanidin C1, prolonged the lifespan of old mice by 9 per cent and made them physically fitter also. This compound works by targeting another of the hallmarks of ageing: the build-up of tired, worn-out cells that are described as 'senescent.'

Effectiveness Of Anti-Ageing Drugs

One potential anti-ageing drug, metformin, is already a common drug to treat type 2 diabetes. Empirical evidence shows that diabetics taking metformin tend to live longer than non-diabetics. At present, the UK government is conducting trials to garner more evidence on the same. The Targeting Aging with Metformin (TAME) trial is recruiting older adults without diabetes to evaluate whether metformin can delay the onset of age-related diseases like dementia and stroke.

Another drug, rapamycin, is also under the spotlight. This drug has been shown to extend the lifespan of multiple organisms and is now being tested in dogs as part of the Dog Aging Project. If successful, this could pave the way for human applications.

The science of ageing revolves around addressing its root causes, often referred to as "hallmarks of ageing." These include the accumulation of genetic mutations, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the build-up of senescent cells. (cells which stop dividing but do not die.) Tackling these processes may not only slow ageing but also prevent diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and Alzheimer's. They can also mitigate other age-related ailments.

While the promise of anti-ageing drugs is exciting, challenges remain. Human trials are lengthy and expensive, and regulatory agencies like the FDA do not currently classify ageing as a treatable condition. Moreover, neither government nor private firms are interested in funding research on anti-ageing drugs.

According to a BBC report, there are nearly 30 anti-ageing companies but they are all more interested in developing their own proprietary therapies than readily accessible drugs such as metformin or quercetin. Until additional funding can be found, this means that safe, affordable drugs with the potential to slow ageing and extend the health span are not being properly explored. Meanwhile, the people who need them most are growing old waiting.