Life Biosciences begins human trials for cellular rejuvenation therapy

Life Biosciences has initiated the first human clinical trials for ER-100, an experimental therapy designed to reverse cellular aging through partial epigenetic reprogramming. Co-founded by Harvard Medical School genetics professor David Sinclair, the company received FDA authorization for a Phase 1 trial in early 2026.

The treatment utilizes three transcription factors—OCT4, SOX2, and KLF4—to temporarily modify gene activity. The goal is to allow aged or damaged cells to regain characteristics of a biologically younger state without erasing their cellular identity or turning them into stem cells.

This specific trial focuses on treating ocular conditions, specifically patients with open-angle glaucoma and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, which involve damage to retinal ganglion cells.