Jamie Justice, executive director of XPRIZE Healthspan, is spearheading a $101 million initiative to challenge the scientific community to prove that human aging can be measurably reversed. The XPRIZE Healthspan competition, established in 2023, aims to filter and standardize efforts to understand and extend human longevity.
Justice, who previously led a gerontology lab at Wake Forest University, noted the field of longevity research is filled with both legitimate science and unverified claims. "There’s no shortage of brilliant science and quackery," Justice said. "You need a filter, a strainer where everybody is welcome, but everyone is held to the same standard." The competition challenges teams to develop strategies that can reduce the impact of aging on muscle, brain, and immune function by the equivalent of at least 10 years. On August 11, 10 finalists were announced, representing teams from China, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S.
These finalists are exploring a range of approaches, including repurposed drugs, novel compounds, and stem cell-derived methods. All have met XPRIZE’s criteria, which require early scientific data showing a potential impact on extending lifespan in both animals and humans. Justice emphasized that the selection process was not based on popularity, leading to some unexpected ideas advancing.
Teams from Japan, for example, are focusing on supplements that utilize exosomes, which are small vesicles that transport essential compounds for cell health. One team received funding for using parsley-derived exosomes, which in a small human trial, appeared to enhance cellular communication and reduce indicators of aging, such as inflammation. Another team is employing advanced stem cell technology to produce exosomes from human cells.
A U.S. team is pursuing a combination of established strategies, including exercise and supplements. Justice acknowledged that some established methods and well-known researchers did not advance, causing disappointment among some participants. "We have a lot of upsets, and so many people are angry because some of the safe stuff and the big names didn’t make it," she stated.
The next phase of the competition involves the finalists continuing to refine and test their strategies. They will compete for an $81 million grand prize, which will be awarded to the team demonstrating the most significant clinical benefits in improving muscle, immune, and cognitive functions. According to Justice, this stage will rigorously test innovative ideas, with successful approaches potentially offering pathways to improved longevity.