As the global population ages, we face enormous health, social, and economic challenges.

Scientists at the Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore have discovered a potential breakthrough.

In a study published in Nature, they found that a protein called interleukin-11 (IL11) promotes aging in mice. By blocking IL11 with a new therapy, they were able to combat the effects of aging and extend the lifespan of the mice.

Their research showed that as the mice aged, their organs produced more IL11.

This protein, which helps with blood cell formation, fat prevention and fertility, also causes the buildup of unwanted fat in the liver and abdomen and loss of muscle mass and strength — major signs of aging.

“This project started in 2017, when we observed increased levels of IL11 in older tissue samples,” said Anisa Widjaja, assistant professor at Duke-NUS.

This discovery led the team to develop an experimental anti-IL11 therapy.

In tests, this therapy improved metabolism in mice, turning harmful white fat into beneficial brown fat, which helps burn calories and maintain body temperature.

This therapy also improved muscle function and overall health, increasing the lifespan of the mice by up to 5%.

Unlike other aging-related drugs such as metformin and rapamycin, anti-IL11 therapy blocks multiple pathways of aging, providing broad protection against cardiovascular diseases, muscle loss, and frailty.

This also slowed down the process of telomere shortening and protected the health of mitochondria, which are important for energy production.

“Our goal is to make anti-IL11 therapy widely available so that people can live longer, healthier lives,” said Professor Stuart Cooke from SingHealth Duke-NUS.

However, he noted challenges in obtaining approval and funding for aging-related treatments.

Dean of Duke-NUS Thomas Kaufman highlighted the significance of this discovery, saying, “This may enable older people to age more healthily, reduce frailty, and improve cardiovascular and metabolic health.”