Genetic & epigenetic
Preclinical
Gene therapy (klotho, follistatin)
Delivering longevity-linked genes by viral vector; so far an animal-only story.
How it works
Viral vectors (such as AAV) deliver genes for proteins like klotho, which modulates insulin/IGF-1 and Wnt signaling and reduces inflammatory and oxidative stress in animal studies. Follistatin is studied for blocking muscle-limiting signals.
Hallmarks of aging targeted
Altered intercellular communication · Deregulated nutrient sensing · Chronic inflammation
What the evidence says
Honest about what is proven, and what is not.
In wild-type mice, AAV9 delivery of secreted klotho increased lifespan by about 20% and improved fitness and bone structure (Roig-Soriano, Mol Ther 2025). Another mouse study found klotho’s benefits on muscle depended on age and disappeared at the oldest ages (Clemens, eLife 2021). We found no peer-reviewed controlled human trials of klotho or follistatin gene therapy for aging. Treat any commercial offering as experimental.
Key reference
Roig-Soriano J, Edo A, Verdes S, et al. Mol Ther. 2025;33(4):1449-1465
Considering this for yourself?
Many longevity therapies are experimental, off-label or not FDA-approved for aging. A physician-guided evaluation weighs your labs, history and goals before anything is started.
Explore other emerging therapeutics
Foundations
Exercise and resistance training
The best-evidenced healthspan intervention we have: aerobic fitness plus strength.
Foundations
Sleep, nutrition and caloric restriction
Daily inputs that shape metabolic aging; the strongest data are for caloric restriction.
Metabolic
GLP-1 receptor agonists
Obesity and diabetes drugs with proven heart benefits and an open question on aging.