#281 ‒ Longevity drugs, aging biomarkers, and updated findings from the Interventions Testing Program (ITP) | Rich Miller, M.D., Ph.D. | The Peter Attia Drive

Intro

In this episode of “The Peter Attia Drive,” Dr. Peter Attia invites Dr. Rich Miller, a professor of pathology at the University of Michigan, to discuss longevity drugs, aging biomarkers, and the latest findings from the Interventions Testing Program (ITP). The podcast focuses on translating the science of longevity into accessible content for everyone and offers exclusive benefits to its members.

Main Takeaways

Longevity Drugs

• Giro protective molecules extend lifespan by targeting the hallmarks of aging.
• Successful interventions from the ITP include rapamycin, 17 alpha estradiol, acarbose, canagliflozin, and meclizine.
• Notable failures from the ITP include nicotinamide riboside, metformin, and resveratrol.

Aging Biomarkers and Aging Rate Indicators

• The discussion includes a deep dive into biomarkers of aging and aging rate indicators.
• Researchers have identified 13 markers that consistently change in the same direction in all 10 kinds of slow-aging mice.
• UCP1, a mitochondrial protein, is found in high levels in the fat depots of slow-aging mice, indicating its potential role in protecting against obesity, diabetes, and inflammation.

Interventions Testing Program (ITP)

• The ITP evaluates potential life-extending interventions in mice.
• The program aims to find drugs that can slow aging and extend mouse lifespan, with the goal of eventually extending human lifespan.
• Each year, the program evaluates 10 to 15 drug candidates and selects five to seven for further testing based on their potential to slow aging and extend lifespan.

Summary

Longevity Drugs

Dr. Miller discusses the success and failures of various drugs in extending lifespan. Giro protective molecules, such as rapamycin and 17 alpha estradiol, have shown promising results in targeting the hallmarks of aging. However, drugs like nicotinamide riboside, metformin, and resveratrol have not demonstrated significant efficacy in extending lifespan. The discussion highlights the importance of identifying drugs that not only extend lifespan but also improve health span.

Aging Biomarkers and Aging Rate Indicators

The conversation delves into the identification of biomarkers of aging and aging rate indicators. Researchers have discovered 13 markers that consistently change in the same direction in all 10 kinds of slow-aging mice, providing insights into the genetic factors influencing lifespan. UCP1, a mitochondrial protein found in high levels in the fat depots of slow-aging mice, is believed to play a role in protecting against obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. The measurement of UCP1 levels in fat using Western blotting is utilized to assess the impact of certain drugs on aging rate indicators.

Interventions Testing Program (ITP)

The ITP, developed by the National Aging Institute, aims to find drugs that can slow aging and extend mouse lifespan. Each year, the program evaluates numerous drug candidates and selects a few for further testing. Successful interventions, including rapamycin and acarbose, have shown promising results in extending mouse lifespan. The program also investigates the biology of aging, providing valuable insights for potential drug development in the future.

Conclusion

The discussion with Dr. Rich Miller sheds light on the advancements and challenges in the field of longevity drugs and aging biomarkers. The Interventions Testing Program continues to explore potential life-extending interventions and uncover valuable insights into the biology of aging. While some drugs have shown promising results in extending lifespan, further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential benefits for human longevity.