Research from British scientists has revealed a potential breakthrough in the fight against ageing, as they develop an experimental drug targeting necrosis—an uncontrolled cell death contributing to numerous age-related diseases. The findings could pave the way for a paradigm shift in medical treatment, focusing not just on managing symptoms but addressing the underlying biological processes that drive ageing.
The British biotech firm, LinkGevity, is preparing for human trials of its groundbreaking drug, which aims to slow the ageing process. After patenting the drug and completing preliminary lab work, the company is now awaiting regulatory approval to begin trials involving patients with kidney disease. These trials are expected to commence in the UK, US, and Europe within the coming months, marking what the founders refer to as the first real-world application of “anti-necrotic therapy.”
LinkGevity has garnered support from Innovate UK, the UK government’s innovation agency, as well as funding from Horizon Europe and the Francis Crick Institute, a leading biomedical research centre in London. The firm’s work has also attracted interest from NASA and the European Space Agency, both of which are investigating the effects of microgravity on human biology.
The company was established by sisters Dr. Carina Kern, the CEO, and Serena Kern-Libera, who left their previous careers to pursue research in longevity science. Dr. Kern, a former research fellow at University College London, leads the scientific program, while Ms. Kern-Libera, a lawyer with experience at the Bank of England, handles business strategy and partnerships. According to Dr. Kern, the field focuses on restorative medicine: “The body is an interconnected network. We’re not just targeting a symptom—we’re targeting the process that drives ageing itself.”
Each day, billions of cells in the human body undergo death and regeneration through a process known as programmed cell death, essential for removing cancerous cells and promoting healing. Necrosis, in contrast, is a chaotic and harmful process where cells swell, rupture, and release toxic substances, causing inflammation and damage to surrounding tissues. This form of cell death is linked to various diseases, including organ failure, heart disease, and dementia.
“Necrosis underlies tissue degeneration,” noted Ms. Kern-Libera. “It’s not limited to one disease. It’s something that happens across the biological system.” The research from LinkGevity delves into the calcium pathways that trigger necrosis, with their patented compound designed to prevent calcium overload that leads to cell membrane rupture.
The initial human trials will focus on patients suffering from kidney disease, an organ particularly susceptible to necrosis and age-related decline. If successful, the company plans to explore broader applications for the drug as an anti-ageing therapy.
Professor Justin Stebbing, a prominent expert in cancer and cell death at Imperial College London and an advisor to LinkGevity, emphasized the significance of this research: “If you can prevent necrosis, you don’t just look younger—your organs actually stay younger.” He highlighted the challenges in gaining regulatory approval for anti-ageing drugs and noted the kidney model as a promising approach to achieving this milestone.
In addition to its implications for human health, NASA views LinkGevity’s work as potentially beneficial for astronauts. In microgravity, astronauts experience muscle loss, reduced bone density, and calcium imbalance—conditions akin to accelerated ageing. Professor Damien Bailey from the European Space Agency remarked, “If a drug can make our cells more resilient, it could be a breakthrough for both space travel and human health on Earth.”
LinkGevity is part of a competitive global landscape aiming to develop therapies to slow ageing. In the United States, high-profile ventures such as Altos Labs, funded by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and Calico Life Sciences, established by Google’s parent company Alphabet, are exploring methods to rejuvenate human cells. While British firms are investigating cell-reprogramming technologies, LinkGevity adopts a straightforward approach—focusing on preventing destructive cell death rather than altering genetic material, allowing the body’s natural functions to restore itself.
Analysts estimate the global longevity market to be valued at approximately £25 billion, indicating significant potential for growth and innovation in this field. As research progresses towards human trials, the implications of LinkGevity’s work may redefine our understanding of ageing and healthcare in the years ahead.
