More than 100 drugs have been found to combat aging by virtually
the same biological mechanisms and may be available within five
years, according to landmark new research led by a Harvard
University researcher. The work, published in the journal
Science, has proven that a single anti-aging enzyme in the body
— known scientifically as SIRT1 — can prevent age-related
diseases and extend lifespans. The research also shows that SIRT
can be switched on by 117 known drugs, as well as low-calorie
diets, exercise, and the antioxidant resveratrol, found in red
wine. David Sinclair, a Harvard Medical School professor of
genetics, said the discovery means that a whole new class of
anti-aging drugs is now viable, which could ultimately prevent
cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and type 2 diabetes. "Ultimately,
these drugs would treat one disease, but unlike drugs of today,
they would prevent 20 others," said Sinclair. "In effect, they
would slow aging." He added: “We're finding that aging isn't the
irreversible affliction tha