Life Biosciences Starts First Human Gene Therapy Trial to Reverse Cell Aging

Life Biosciences, a Boston‑based biotech company co‑founded by Harvard geneticist David Sinclair, has begun the first human trial of its ER‑100 (AAV2‑OSK) gene therapy. The treatment delivers the reprogramming factors Oct4, Sox2 and Klf4 to the optic nerves of patients with glaucoma or other optic neuropathies, aiming to reverse age‑related epigenetic changes and regenerate damaged retinal ganglion cells. The trial was cleared by the U.S. FDA and the company administered the therapy to its inaugural patient, using a doxycycline‑controlled system to activate the genes for eight weeks. Researchers note the approach builds on Yamanaka‑factor discoveries and prior mouse and primate work, but warn of potential risks such as uncontrolled cell growth or tumor formation. Early safety data will be evaluated before broader enrollment, and the outcome could inform future strategies for treating neurodegenerative eye diseases and broader cellular rejuvenation efforts.