Sunday, November 9, 2008

'Anti-Aging' Pill Makes Mice Mighty

From Discovery News:

Nov. 7, 2008 -- Eat more than you should. Stay skinny. Run twice as far. Those are the big claims coming from a new drug study from Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Cambridge, Mass. This latest study clears the way for human clinical trials of SRT1720, often touted as an "anti-aging pill."

SRT1720 activates the same receptor as the much-discussed resveratrol, the chemical in red wine that may slow some effects of aging. Both resveratrol and SRT1720 are being tested as a way to treat type-two diabetes first, and possibly other age-related diseases, later.

"We are very excited by these results," said Michelle Dipp of Sirtris. "These compounds are mimicking calorie restriction and exercise while lowering levels of glucose and insulin in mice. It's a game changer."

The European scientists overfed two groups of mice by about 40 percent. For a person, that would be close to eating 3,000 calories a day, enough to pack on significant weight.

HERE IS THE FULL ARTICLE AT DISCOVERY.COM
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/07/anti-aging-pill.html