'Supermodel granny' drug extends life in animals

A drug tested on laboratory animals has shown promising results in extending their lifespans by nearly 25%. Referred to as "supermodel grannies" due to their youthful appearance, the treated mice displayed improved health, strength, and lower cancer rates compared to untreated mice. The drug targets a protein called interleukin-11, which increases with age and contributes to inflammation and ageing-related processes. The research, conducted by a team from various institutions, demonstrated significant increases in lifespan and overall health in mice. While the drug is being tested in humans, its potential anti-ageing effects remain uncertain. The study represents a growing interest in understanding and manipulating the molecular mechanisms of ageing. Researchers are optimistic about the drug's transformative potential if proven effective in humans, although challenges such as side effects and efficacy in people remain to be addressed. Other drugs like metformin and rapamycin are also being explored for their anti-ageing properties, highlighting a shift towards pharmacological interventions to target ageing processes.