Drugs that target aging: how do we discover them?

Abstract

Introduction: Biology of aging is focused on elucidating the biochemical and genetic pathways that contribute to cellular damage accumulation over time. Thirty years of research are beginning to bear fruit as the first pharmacological interventions based on biology of aging go through clinical trials. Evolutionary theories of aging suggest that naturally selected traits believed to impart fitness in young organisms may be damaging in later life. Three major areas of focus in biology of aging are lifespan, healthspan, and rejuvenation. Areas covered: Aging research has produced several validated pharmacological interventions currently in clinical trials. Herein, the authors consider two representative case studies: 1) rapamycin analogs and their effect on the mTORC1 pathway, and 2) small molecules that target and kill senescent cells. The authors also provide their expert current and future perspectives on aging targeting drug discovery. Expert opinion: Aging-related therapeutic interventions will continue to emerge at an accelerating pace, both from research in biology of aging, as well as from coordinated biomedical research in aging-related chronic conditions.