Key points from article :
Vitalunga, a biotech startup from Hebrew University, has developed a novel oral drug targeting aging-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This drug, based on research led by Professors Einav Gross and Shmuel Ben-Sasson, aims to address the challenge of extending lifespan without the accompanying burden of diseases that typically come with aging. Many people live longer, but disease-free aging remains elusive. Vitalunga’s drug-candidate seeks to improve the quality of life for the aging population by preventing cellular deterioration that occurs in aging tissues.
Aging-related diseases often share a common mechanism where cells in otherwise healthy tissues deteriorate. Using an innovative drug design platform, Professors Gross and Ben-Sasson discovered a family of compounds that promote autophagy, a process where cells recycle their components to adapt to stress, and mitophagy, which ensures healthy mitochondria in cells. In studies involving the model organism C. elegans, the drug improved both lifespan and healthspan. This research was recently published in the journal Autophagy, a leading publication in the field.
Vitalunga's drug could potentially offer a significant breakthrough, targeting multiple aging-related diseases and providing a unified treatment approach. With aging populations worldwide, especially in countries like Japan, the pressure on healthcare systems continues to grow. According to the UN's World Population Aging report, the number of elderly individuals globally is expected to surpass 1.5 billion by 2050. Vitalunga’s solution could reduce the burden on healthcare systems while providing a better quality of life for millions of people.
Supported by Yissum, the Hebrew University’s technology transfer company, Vitalunga is now raising funds to begin pre-clinical trials. If successful, the drug could represent a significant step forward in achieving disease-free aging.
