Experimental Gene Therapies Aim to Tackle Aging: Groundbreaking or Reckless?

Next month, a small group of volunteers will receive injections of two experimental drugs as part of an unusual clinical trial. According to Ivan Morgunov, CEO of Unlimited Bio, these drugs are considered potential life-extending treatments. Between 12 and 15 volunteers, who are self-funding their travel and treatment, will receive a series of injections into the muscles of their arms and legs. One of the therapies aims to increase blood supply to these muscles, while the other supports their growth. The company anticipates improvements in strength, endurance, and recovery speed.

In the future, similar tests are planned on the scalp (to combat baldness) and for treating erectile dysfunction.

Unlimited Bio is registered in the special economic zone of Prospera in Honduras. There, according to Morgunov and COO Vladimir Leshko, regulatory restrictions allow for research that is impossible in other countries. One of the company’s drugs contains a gene for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), known for its stimulating effect on blood vessel growth. The other drug is a gene for follistatin, a protein involved in muscle growth. The company hopes that the combination of these two therapies will benefit healthy individuals and potentially help them live longer.

According to Leshko, participants will experience faster recovery after workouts, increased strength, and endurance. Half of the volunteers will receive only the VEGF therapy, while the other half will receive both drugs.

Morgunov is confident in the safety of the VEGF therapy, as it was approved in Russia over a decade ago for treating lower limb ischemia-a condition causing pain and numbness in the legs and feet. However, Professor of Molecular Medicine Seppo Ylä-Herttuala, who has been studying VEGF for decades, notes that the safety of the therapy depends on the dosage and site of administration. Furthermore, Ylä-Herttuala believes that VEGF may only promote blood vessel growth but does not combat aging.

Recent advancements in gene therapies have showcased potential in addressing baldness and erectile dysfunction, with various clinical trials currently exploring these avenues. In particular, the use of innovative gene-editing technologies offers hope for targeted and efficient treatments, potentially revolutionizing these therapeutic areas.