Genetic variant-based drug discovery to promote healthy aging and help age-related diseases
Official title: Genetic variant-based drug discovery targeting conserved pathways of aging
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11542104 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project uses human centenarian genetics to find drug targets that could help people age more healthily and reduce risks of diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2017 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $403,084 |
| NIH project number | 3U19AG056278-10S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11542104 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults at risk for age-related conditions who may benefit from future therapies targeting aging pathways identified in genetic studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without interest in participation in genetic or drug-target research or those not connected to aging-related conditions may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to identify human genetic variants associated with extreme longevity to discover drugs that may improve healthspan in aging adults. Researchers plan to analyze whole exome data from centenarian cohorts and study genes and pathways such as IGF-1R, SIRT6, FOXO3A, and NF-kB to find potential drug targets. The work builds on prior findings and will test the functional effects of candidate genes to develop therapies that could delay multiple age-related illnesses. By translating genetic insights from exceptionally healthy older adults into drug targets, the study seeks to extend healthy years of life for people at risk of chronic diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could yield new drug targets to slow aging processes and reduce the burden of age-related diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with centenarian genetics has demonstrated feasibility in identifying longevity-related targets, supporting continued exploration with potential therapeutic implications.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vijg, Jan — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Vijg, Jan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.