British scientists have made significant strides toward developing a drug that could potentially slow the ageing process and combat age-related diseases. Research led by the British biotech company LinkGevity focuses on blocking necrosis, a form of uncontrolled cell death that contributes to various age-associated health issues. The implications of this research could lead to a transformative era in medicine, moving beyond merely treating symptoms to addressing the biological mechanisms of ageing.
LinkGevity is preparing to conduct human trials of its experimental drug, which aims to halt necrosis and its related health consequences. The company has patented the drug and completed necessary laboratory work. They are currently awaiting regulatory approval to begin trials with kidney disease patients in the UK, US, and Europe within the coming months. This trial will be the first real-world application of what the founders term “anti-necrotic therapy.”
Innovate UK, the UK government’s innovation agency, is supporting LinkGevity’s research, along with funding from Horizon Europe and the Francis Crick Institute, a prominent biomedical research centre in London. The company’s innovative approach has garnered attention from organizations such as NASA and the European Space Agency, which are exploring how microgravity affects human biology and its parallels to ageing.
LinkGevity was founded by sisters Dr. Carina Kern, the company’s CEO, and Serena Kern-Libera, who shifted from established careers to focus on longevity science. Dr. Kern describes their work as restorative medicine, emphasizing the interconnected nature of the body. “We’re not just targeting a symptom; we’re targeting the process that drives ageing itself,” she stated.
Dr. Kern’s background as a former research fellow in ageing-associated diseases at University College London positions her to lead LinkGevity’s scientific programme. Ms. Kern-Libera, a former lawyer at the Bank of England, oversees business strategy and partnerships. Their combined expertise aims to deepen understanding of how aging affects bodily functions and how to mitigate it.
“Every day, billions of cells die and are replaced through a process called programmed cell death,” Dr. Kern explained. “In contrast, necrosis is uncontrolled and results in the release of toxic contents that damage surrounding tissues.” This form of cell death is linked to numerous conditions, including organ failure, heart disease, dementia, and other health issues associated with ageing.
According to Serena Kern-Libera, necrosis is a systemic issue, not restricted to a single disease. LinkGevity’s research specifically targets the calcium pathways that trigger necrosis. Their patented compound aims to prevent calcium overload, which causes cell membranes to rupture and die. The initial focus of their human trials will be on patients with kidney disease, as the kidneys are particularly susceptible to necrosis and age-related decline.
Professor Justin Stebbing, a leading expert in cancer and cell death at Imperial and Anglia Ruskin University, serves as an advisor to LinkGevity. He remarked, “If you can prevent necrosis, it not only influences appearance but actually preserves the youthfulness of organs.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by drug regulators in assessing treatments for ageing, citing difficulties in establishing clear endpoints for studies. Yet, he expressed optimism that their focus on the kidneys may lead to the first anti-ageing drug approval.
LinkGevity’s work has implications beyond terrestrial applications. NASA views the company’s research as potentially beneficial for improving astronaut health. The effects of microgravity, such as muscle mass loss and bone density reduction, mirror aspects of accelerated ageing. Professor Damien Bailey, chair of the Life Science Working Group at the European Space Agency, noted, “If a drug can enhance cellular resilience, it could significantly impact both space travel and health on Earth.”
The Cambridge-based start-up is part of a burgeoning sector focused on developing therapies that slow ageing. In the United States, numerous ventures, including Altos Labs, funded by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and Calico Life Sciences, established by Alphabet, are also exploring ways to rejuvenate human cells. LinkGevity distinguishes itself by concentrating on preventing cell death rather than altering genetic material, allowing the body’s natural processes to restore itself.
The global longevity market is estimated to be valued at around £25 billion, highlighting the growing interest and investment in this field. As LinkGevity prepares for its human trials, the scientific community watches closely, anticipating the potential breakthroughs that could redefine our understanding of ageing and health.
