Life Biosciences launches first human trial of reverse‑aging eye gene therapy

Life Biosciences, a Boston‑based biotech firm, began the first human clinical trial of its reverse‑aging gene therapy, ER‑100. A single injection was administered directly into the eye of a volunteer suffering vision loss from an optic‑nerve disorder, with the aim of reactivating damaged retinal cells. The treatment delivers three Yamanaka factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4) via a modified adeno‑associated virus and uses a doxycycline‑controlled on/off switch to regulate gene expression. The early‑phase trial focuses on safety and initial efficacy for conditions such as glaucoma, while researchers suggest the approach could eventually address broader age‑related diseases. A separate effort in Russia is developing an anti‑aging vaccine targeting the RAGE receptor, but the current study is the first human application of cellular reprogramming for aging reversal.