A new study published in *Nature Biotechnology* suggests that an AI-generated drug has shown preliminary signs of slowing aging, potentially marking a small first step in using AI to treat diseases. The drug, called rentosertib, was developed by Insilico Medicine, an AI drug discovery and development company. From the outset, Insilico Medicine stated that the drug was developed both to treat patients with chronic lung disease and to potentially extend their lifespan. In this study, the company demonstrated that the drug successfully reduced some biological aging markers in a small group of patients, as measured by aging clocks.
Aging clocks are transitioning from a metaphorical concept to a quantifiable metric for assessing an individual's risk of disease and death. Many aging clocks are developed using AI, combining data from blood biomarkers, physiological indicators, psychological assessments, and more to output a biological "age" that reflects overall health. This trial included 42 participants and lasted 12 weeks. The results showed that participants taking rentosertib experienced a decrease in biological age, while those receiving a placebo or no treatment saw their biological age remain the same or increase.
Insilico Medicine used six different aging clocks for measurement, and all six indicators showed sufficiently significant changes for the company to conclude that "the drug may modulate complementary dimensions of biological aging."
AI drug rentosertib shows potential in slowing aging
While the idea of slowing aging is certainly appealing, the actual utility of aging clocks remains controversial. There are numerous versions of these clocks, each with different measurement approaches: the earliest versions, developed over a decade ago, gauged the aging process by tracking chemical changes like DNA methylation; newer models focus on proteomics, measuring proteins in the blood, and a 2024 study found that this method could be used to determine if a person is at higher risk for age-related diseases. Although some researchers believe these composite measurements may have some reference value, there is still a long way to go before they become truly meaningful biomarkers.
Scientists have attempted to advance the field and improve measurement accuracy to use these tools for research, but there is still no universally accepted "age" indicator. Some doctors warn that over-reliance on these metrics could lead to chasing the wrong interventions—measures taken to improve aging indicators might actually impair the body's repair responses. That said, an oral drug that could help the body resist the effects of aging would still be a major breakthrough if it ever came to fruition. Insilico Medicine's drug is still a long way from this goal and will need to complete extensive clinical trials before gaining regulatory approval.