New Hints Seen That Red Wine May Slow Aging

[groovedaddy]

Red wine may be much more potent than was thought in extending human lifespan, researchers say in a new report that is likely to give impetus to the rapidly growing search for longevity drugs.

The study is based on dosing mice with resveratrol, an ingredient of some red wines. Some scientists are already taking resveratrol in capsule form, but others believe it is far too early to take the drug, especially using wine as its source, until there is better data on its safety and effectiveness.

The report is part of a new wave of interest in drugs that may enhance longevity. On Monday, Sirtris, a startup founded in 2004 to develop drugs with the same effects as resveratrol, completed its sale to GlaxoSmithKline for $720 million.

Sirtris is seeking to develop drugs that activate protein agents known in people as sirtuins.

“The upside is so huge that if we are right, the company that dominates the sirtuin space could dominate the pharmaceutical industry and change medicine,” Dr. David Sinclair of the Harvard Medical School, a co-founder of the company, said Tuesday.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/04/health/research/04aging.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin

[tigereye]

well, that's good to know, since reds are my favorite

[Turbineguy]

1. OK, I'll bite

er... drink!

[DesertRat]

2. Great news. I love my Pinot Noir

[David__77]

3. Headline is misleading.

"Aging" is not the direct cause of death. There are certainly age-related diseases and deterioration however. One can grow old, within certain constraints, and minimize their risk of such disease and deterioration, but this is not "preventing aging" per se.

[groovedaddy]

4. Pop open a bottle of red and you might see things differently! n.t

[NV Whino]

5. Oh cool!

I always wanted to be Peter Pan when I grew up.