PREVIEW

Experimental drug extends lifespan of mice by 25%. Scientists believe an experimental drug that was found to increase the lifespan of mice by 25% could also work on humans. Test rodents were injected with an antibody called anti-IL-11 - and was distributed to them when they reached "middle age”. The experiments found deaths caused by cancer decreased and the risks of fibrosis, chronic inflammation and poor metabolism also reduced .”While these findings are only in mice, it raises the tantalising possibility that the drugs could have a similar effect in elderly humans. The treated mice had fewer cancers, and were free from the usual signs of ageing and frailty, but we also saw reduced muscle wasting and improvement in muscle strength." Professor Stuart Cook/Imperial College London. The research was by Medical Research Council Laboratory of Medical Science, Imperial College London and Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore. ”Previously proposed life-extending drugs and treatments have either had poor side-effect profiles, or don't work in both sexes, or could extend life, but not healthy life - however this does not appear to be the case for IL-11." Professor Stuart Cook/Imperial College London. The researchers hope the findings can lead to new ways to help people age without age-related ailments such as loss of sight, hearing, and muscle. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT