Is it Possible to Rejuvenate Old Cells?

Scientists are trying to reverse cellular aging in a living patient for the first time. Their first goal is to reverse a critical eye disease called glaucoma. A Boston-based biotech startup has administered the world's first gene therapy to a living patient to treat optic nerve damage. The treatment targets patients with open-angle glaucoma. Current glaucoma treatments only help maintain the current level of vision and do not restore lost vision.The drug uses the OCT4, SOX2, and KLF4 genes to reprogram adult cells into a more stem cell-like state. Harvard Medical School Professor of Genetics David Sinclair stated:

Our research shows that aging is largely due to the loss of epigenetic information, not irreparable damage. This clinical study provides an opportunity to test whether replenishing that information can improve human diseases.

Sinclair's team had previously reprogrammed cells in mice in 2020. However, serious side effects such as tumor formation were observed in mice when the genes were overexpressed or remained active for an extended period. The Scientific Director of the US-based company, Sharon Rosenzweig-Lipson, also made the following statement:

Our preclinical studies have shown that controlled OSK gene expression resets epigenetic patterns associated with healthy cell function, improves tissue performance, and restores visual function in animal models. Moving ER-100 to the clinical stage is an important step in converting epigenetic restoration into a new class of drugs for age-related diseases.

If the treatment is successful, it could open up new hope for millions of glaucoma patients.