A specialized field of clinical science dedicated to the discovery, development, and therapeutic application of pharmaceutical agents and targeted compounds specifically designed to modulate the fundamental biological processes of aging. This discipline focuses on drugs, known as geroprotectors, that target the molecular hallmarks of aging, aiming to extend healthspan by preventing or delaying the onset of multiple age-related diseases simultaneously. It represents the pharmacological arm of anti-aging medicine.
Origin
This term is a modern construct reflecting the maturation of aging research from a descriptive science into an actionable, interventional discipline. It builds upon decades of work in molecular gerontology, identifying conserved signaling pathways like mTOR, sirtuins, and AMPK as druggable targets. Pharmacology denotes the study and application of drugs, while longevity specifies the therapeutic intent: targeting the biological clock itself.
Mechanism
Longevity pharmacology agents operate by intervening in core cellular mechanisms that drive biological aging. These mechanisms include inducing a state of pseudo-nutrient deprivation (e.g., mTOR inhibition), enhancing DNA repair fidelity (e.g., sirtuin activation), or clearing senescent cells (senolytics). The goal is to improve cellular stress resistance, enhance proteostasis, and maintain epigenetic stability across the organism, effectively reducing the biological burden of aging.
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