A recent study published in the journal Aging reveals that a combination of oxytocin and an Alk5 inhibitor (OT+A5i) significantly extends lifespan and enhances healthspan in elderly male mice, with over a 70% increase in lifespan.

Male mice treated with OT+A5i lived approximately 73% longer from age 25 months, roughly equivalent to 75 human years, and were nearly three times less likely to die during the study compared to untreated controls.

The research highlights sex-specific responses, noting that females did not experience the same longevity benefits, although they showed improved fertility when middle-aged, emphasizing the importance of understanding biological differences in aging.

Since oxytocin and Alk5 inhibitors are already used or tested in clinical settings for other conditions, this suggests potential for translating this therapy into human aging treatments.

The treatment reduced systemic biological noise in blood proteins, a marker of aging, and provided sustained health benefits in males for at least four months, although females did not show significant lifespan or healthspan improvements despite initial short-term gains.

These findings position OT+A5i as a promising candidate for improving late-life health in humans, pending further research and clinical trials.

Led by researchers Cameron Kato and Irina M. Conboy, the study demonstrated that the therapy offered notable rejuvenating effects in male mice, including increased physical strength, agility, memory, and reduced biological aging markers.