Lonvi Biosciences Develops Anti-Aging Pill Targeting Senescent Cells in Mice

Lonvi Biosciences, a Chinese biotech start-up has come up with a promising new development in the field of longevity science. Recent reports indicate that the company is working on a pill that is targeted at cellular senescence or the programmed cessation of division of old or damaged cells leading to their accumulation in tissues. Results have demonstrated lifespan-prolongation effects on mice.

The relevant compound is of natural origin and a molecule Procyanidin C1 (PCC1) that can be found in grape seed extract. The company asserts that during preclinical tests the compound selectively eliminates senescent cells of the mice and thus permits better health and long-term survival.

What the data has shown so far

The details of peer-reviewed information are not publicly available yet, but the reports indicate the following:

Mice were treated and it led to many years of life, as opposed to normal controls.
This process seems to depend on selective removal of senescence cells that have been known to accumulate over time and cause tissue dysfunction and inflammation (some have also called it the senescence-associated secretory phenotype or SASP).
The Lonvi administration is ambitious and the statements that the company made, like it is possible to live to 150 years of age, and it is reality are given by the chief technologist of the company.

Why this is significant

Senescent cells are now being identified as one of the important contributors to aging and age-related diseases. They damage regeneration and favor chronic inflammation and fibrosis by accumulating in tissues. An effective and safe method of clearing or neutralizing senescence cells is viewed as one of the most promising approaches to extend the health span and the period of good health. If the pill that Lonvi produces works as advertised in mice it may be a big leap forward.

Precious caveats and follow up

These are preclinical results (i.e. demonstrated in animals (mice) but not confirmed in humans). New challenges are common when translating to human beings.
Comprehensive information, dosages, side-effects, long-term safety, the specificity of the mechanism, is not made publicly available yet.
The longevity claims (living to 150 years) are speculative and rely on a lot more factors than on the clearing of senescent cells.
Regulatory obstacles are also insurmountable: to demonstrate not just safety but also meaningful increase in human health span or lifespan, long-term human trials would be required.
The company is in China – the manufacturing, regulatory and international commercialization factors can vary and not correspond to Western biotech standards, and this can affect timeframes.

Outlook

So far, the work of Lonvi Biosciences represents a hopeful indication that the strategy of senescent-cell clearance is starting to show its result in animals. In the event of its further validation, it would introduce yet another category of anti-aging intervention. Nevertheless, like any biomedical invention, it will have to undergo a painstaking independent review, clinical trials, and governmental regulatory action before it can be a viable treatment option.