Scientists working on “guardian angel” drug say it could slow ageing and prevent cancer

AUSTRALIAN scientists say they’ve discovered an anti-ageing drug capable of tricking cells into thinking they’re younger and protecting us from disease.

Queensland University of Technology researchers are developing a wonder drug with the potential to dramatically slow the ageing process and prevent or delay cancer, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes and arthritis.

QUT Associate Professor Derek Richard says the big link between cancer and ageing is the body’s ability to repair damaged DNA, which decreases as we get older.

After years of study his team at the Cancer and Ageing Research Program believe they’ve found the holy grail of the scientific world – a “guardian angel” protein with the potential to keep people healthier for longer.

“This new drug functions by restoring the activity of the DNA-repairing, ‘super hero’ hSSB1 protein in our bodies and we can make cells believe that they are much younger than they actually are,” Professor Richard said.

The team hopes to raise $5 million for further toxicology studies to progress the therapy to human trials.