Saccades

Christoph Westphal and David Sinclair, backed by Phillip Sharp, team up to to help delay onset and slow progression of aging related diseases (e.g., adult onset diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s).

Sirtris and its research got widely noticed in November 2006 when anti-aging properties of resveratrol grabbed media attention.

Resveratrol molecule is produced by certain plants. When it enters the cell it engenders new mitochondria in tissues resulting in a boost to the body’s metabolic rate. The benefits are similar to slow-aging benefits of a calorie-restriction diet - but without calorie restriction regimen. New mitochondira produced this way seem to be more efficient than the originals they replace - they create a fewer free-radicals that could damage DNA and other parts of the cells.Studies indicate low level of blood glucose and insulin, little weight gain during middle age and low body temperature as predictors of longevity.

Sirtris is now clinically testing its first resveratrol-based drug, 501, aimed at keeping diabetic patients’ blood sugar under control.