Life Biosciences begins first‑in‑human anti‑aging eye gene therapy trial

Life Biosciences, a Boston‑based biotech firm, has started a phase‑I clinical trial testing ER‑100, an experimental gene‑therapy that uses partial cellular reprogramming to rejuvenate damaged retinal neurons. The therapy delivers three Yamanaka‑type genes (OCT4, SOX2 and KLF4) via an adeno‑associated virus vector directly into the eye, targeting optic neuropathies such as open‑angle glaucoma and non‑arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. The first participant has already received a single dose, marking the inaugural human administration of the anti‑aging approach. Researchers emphasize safety, noting that the fourth Yamanaka factor (c‑MYC) is omitted to reduce cancer risk, and that the eye offers a contained site for monitoring adverse effects. Co‑founder David Sinclair of Harvard Medical School says the study will test whether restoring epigenetic information can halt age‑related disease. If successful, the trial could open a new therapeutic avenue for age‑related vision loss and other degenerative conditions.