LongevityWay Weekly
Hey Longevity freaks. Quick, evidence-first hits — minus the hype.
Today’s lead: partial epigenetic reprogramming just got FDA clearance for a first-in-human trial (targeting age-related vision loss). Early days, but it’s a real step from mouse headlines → human medicine.
What’s inside this week
🧟 News: Senolytics (dasatinib + quercetin): small pilot study hints at cognition/mobility signals (still early)
🧬 Genes May Dictate Up to 55% of Your Lifespan (New Study Challenges Old Assumptions)
🧪 First Human Trial of Partial Epigenetic Reprogramming Cleared by FDA (Aiming to Reverse Age-Related Vision Loss)
📟 Biohacker Gadget: OTC CGM for “normal” people — Abbott’s Lingo
💊 Supplement of the Week: Creatine (not just for muscles — brain too)
👤 Person to Follow: @mkaeberlein (evidence-first longevity takes)
LATEST NEWS
LATEST NEWS
🧟♂️ Zombie Cells vs. Aging: Early Human Data (Finally)
The Summary
Senolytics target “senescent” (a.k.a. zombie) cells — cells that stop dividing but keep pumping out inflammatory signals. A small, single-arm pilot study in older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s tested intermittent dosing of dasatinib + quercetin and tracked mobility, cognition, and inflammation markers.
Key Details
Design: 12-week, single-arm, open-label pilot in 12 adults aged 65+ with slow gait speed and mild cognitive impairment.
Dosing: quercetin 1,250 mg + dasatinib 100 mg, taken for 2 days every 2 weeks (6 cycles).
Reported signals included changes in inflammatory markers (e.g., TNF‑α) and relationships with cognitive scores.
Big caveat: tiny sample + no placebo group = not proof. It’s an “interesting signal,” not a “do this now.”
Practical takeaway: senolytics remain experimental — but the human evidence base is slowly getting real.
Why It Matters
This is what early-stage longevity medicine looks like: promising biology, cautious human data. If you see someone selling you “senolytics = guaranteed youth,” run.
LATEST NEWS
🧬 Genes May Dictate Up to 55% of Your Lifespan
The Summary
A groundbreaking analysis from Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science, published in Science, re-evaluated genetic influence on human longevity. By separating "extrinsic" deaths (accidents, infections, etc.) from "intrinsic" biological aging, researchers found heritability of lifespan jumps to around 55% — more than double the classic 20-25% estimate. This suggests genes play a far bigger role in how long we live once external risks are minimized.
Key Details
Used mathematical modeling + data from twins, siblings, and large cohorts to isolate intrinsic mortality.
Lifestyle/environment can still add ~5 years, but the genetic ceiling appears strong — if your family history points to ~80, pushing to 100+ is unlikely without major bio-interventions.
Challenges the “lifestyle overrides everything” view; protective genetics (e.g., efficient metabolism, low inflammation) may set the upper limit.
Big caveat: This is population-level heritability, not destiny for individuals. It doesn’t mean genes are fixed — future therapies could target these pathways.
Practical takeaway: Family history matters more than we thought for extreme longevity. Focus on health basics, but don’t expect miracles if your genetics lean average.
Why It Matters
This shifts the longevity conversation toward understanding and potentially editing genetic factors. If genes set a higher bar than believed, it validates investment in personalized biotech while reminding us biology isn't infinitely hackable.
LATEST NEWS
🧪 First Human Trial of Partial Epigenetic Reprogramming Cleared by FDA
The Summary
Life Biosciences (co-founded by Harvard's David Sinclair) received FDA approval for a Phase 1 trial of ER-100, a gene therapy that partially reprograms cells epigenetically to restore youthful function. It targets retinal ganglion cells in patients with glaucoma or NAION (optic neuropathies), aiming to reverse vision loss by "resetting" cellular age without full dedifferentiation.
Key Details
Uses a direct eye injection to deliver reprogramming factors.
Builds on animal studies suggesting partial reprogramming may rejuvenate tissue without obvious cancer risk.
Targets optic neuropathies as a proof-of-concept for broader anti-aging use.
FDA clearance announced late Jan 2026; dosing likely starts soon.
Big caveat: Phase 1 is safety-first — efficacy unknown, no results yet.
Practical takeaway: First human test of partial epigenetic reprogramming in an aging context; if it works, it could unlock more age-related disease treatments beyond the eye.
Why It Matters
Longevity field moves from mouse hype to cautious human testing. Partial reprogramming (tweaking gene expression without turning cells into stem cells) is one of the hottest areas — this trial is a real milestone in translating "reversing aging" biology to people. Exciting, but expect years before broader use.
BIOHACKER GADGET COMPARISON
CGMs (continuous glucose monitors): the fastest way to learn what your food (and stress) is doing
The Summary
A CGM is a small wearable sensor that tracks your glucose trends 24/7. For non-diabetics, the goal isn’t “perfect glucose” — it’s learning patterns: which meals spike you, what happens after bad sleep, and why you crash mid‑afternoon.
Key Details
Run it like an experiment: 14–15 days is enough to spot your biggest triggers.
Compare meals fairly: same meal, different order (protein/veg first vs carbs first) and watch the curve.
Don’t overreact: glucose lags behind blood a bit — trends matter more than single readings.
Availability varies: some options are OTC in the US, while others still require a prescription elsewhere.
Simple comparison;
Option | Wear time | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Lingo OTC | Up to 14 days | Wellness tracking (food response, energy crashes) | Sold via HelloLingo / major retailers; positioned for non‑insulin users. |
Stelo OTC | Up to 15 days | Prediabetes / type 2 not on insulin + curious wellness users | FDA-cleared OTC iCGM for adults (18+) not using insulin. |
Dexcom G7 | Up to 10 days | Medical glucose management (more clinical use) | Often used with real-time alerts; access depends on country/insurance. |
FreeStyle Libre 3 | 14 days | Medical glucose management | Widely used; check local availability and official safety notices if using for medical decisions. |
FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus | Up to 15 days | Medical glucose management | Newer Libre option with longer wear time (market availability varies). |
Why It Matters
For most people, one CGM cycle replaces years of guessing. You’ll quickly learn what spikes you, what keeps you steady, and which “healthy” foods are secretly wrecking your afternoon.
SUPPLEMENT OF THE WEEK
Creatine Monohydrate — cheap, boring, and surprisingly useful
The summary
Creatine helps your cells recycle ATP (fast energy). It’s best known for strength, but may also support certain cognitive tasks — especially when you’re stressed, sleep-deprived, older, or low in dietary creatine.
Benefits:
Stronger training sessions: improves repeat efforts (more reps, better sprint intervals).
Muscle support over time: helps you train harder and recover better, which supports lean mass gains.
Healthy aging support: helps maintain strength and function when paired with resistance training.
Brain support (situational): may help some cognitive tasks during sleep loss, stress, aging, or low baseline intake.
Pick this:
✅ Creatine Monohydrate (powder) — most studied, best value, best default for most people.
Single-ingredient label: “Creatine Monohydrate” (avoid proprietary blends).
Quality assurance: third-party testing (NSF Certified for Sport / Informed Choice / USP where available).
Purity signals: Creapure® is a common high-purity option (nice-to-have, not required).
No fluff: minimal additives (skip sugar-loaded “performance” mixes unless you want them).
Mixability: “micronized” monohydrate usually dissolves easier (not mandatory, just nicer).
Safety (when to avoid / be careful)
Kidney disease or reduced kidney function: talk to your clinician before using.
Meds that affect kidneys (or unsure): check with your clinician/pharmacist.
Possible water weight: some people notice a small increase (normal intracellular water, not fat gain).
Pregnant/breastfeeding or complex health conditions: get medical advice first.
PERSON TO FOLLOW
Matt Kaeberlein — @mkaeberlein
About
Matt is a longevity researcher who’s consistently evidence-first. He’s great at separating “interesting early signals” from “this actually works in humans,” and he’ll call out bad study design or overhyped claims without being annoying about it.