Sep 25, 2024
Science News
Could Viagra Be an Anti-Aging Drug? NIA Tests Sildenafil for LongevityThe National Institute on Aging is testing Viagra (sildenafil) for anti-aging effects in mice. Known for treating erectile dysfunction, Viagra may also improve blood flow, reduce heart disease risk, and enhance cellular function, potentially extending lifespan.
In a surprising turn, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) is exploring Viagra's potential to extend lifespan. Later this year, 240 mice will begin consuming food infused with sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra. An equal number will receive captopril, a medication for high blood pressure. These mice are part of the NIA's Interventions Testing Program (ITP), a long-standing initiative aiming to discover compounds that could delay aging—not just in rodents but potentially in humans.
A Rigorous Approach to Anti-Aging Research
Established 22 years ago, the ITP has evaluated over 60 compounds, including drugs, supplements, and hormones, to assess their effects on mouse longevity. Each compound undergoes testing at three separate sites to ensure replicability and reliability of results.
Transparency and Replication
Researchers praise the ITP for its meticulous methods and openness. All results, positive or negative, are published. "It's important to have this robust validation of proposed life-extending drugs," says bioinformatician Mahdi Moqri of Harvard Medical School.
Why Test Viagra and Captopril? New Candidates with Potential
Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and captopril are among eight new compounds selected for testing. Scientists are interested in their potential effects on aging due to their known impacts on blood flow and cellular function.
Success Stories
The ITP has identified 12 compounds that have extended the lifespans of mice. One notable discovery is rapamycin, a drug that increased longevity even when administered later in life, suggesting that "aging is malleable," according to gerontologist Richard Miller of the University of Michigan.
Setting the Record Straight
The program has also debunked several overhyped supplements like resveratrol, fish oil, and curcumin, which showed no significant impact on extending lifespan in mice.
Regulatory Hurdles
Developing anti-aging treatments for humans is complex. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently recognize aging as a disease, making it challenging to approve clinical trials focused on aging interventions.
Funding Obstacles
Securing sufficient funding for large-scale human trials remains a significant barrier. For example, a proposed trial testing the diabetes drug metformin for anti-aging effects has struggled to raise the necessary $50 million.
The Future of Anti-Aging Research
Despite challenges, the ITP continues to receive increasing numbers of proposals for new compounds to test. "We are still looking for blockbuster drugs, but we are realizing it's complicated," says molecular neurogeneticist Monica Driscoll of Rutgers University.
Conclusion
The NIA's decision to test Viagra and captopril marks an exciting development in the quest to understand and delay aging. While translating these findings from mice to humans presents challenges, the ITP's rigorous and transparent approach keeps hope alive for discovering effective anti-aging interventions.
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This article is based on information from the study "Federal antiaging program will test Viagra and other drugs in mice" published in Science Magazine. For a more detailed understanding, readers are encouraged to consult the original publication.