Pretty much every part of the body starts to slow down and work less effectively as we grow older. That includes the immune system, which is pretty problematic when we rely on it to keep us free of disease. Supplements may be one way to boost the aging immune system, with the latest research pointing toward Mitopure (https://longevity.technology/news/new-study-finds-mitopure-slows-immune-system-aging/).
Mitopure may not be a familiar name. It’s proprietary, belonging to Timeline, a Swiss biotech company. What you might recognize, at least if you follow the development of anti-aging supplements, is urolithin A. This compound has been receiving increased attention recently. We don’t generally take it in through food; it has to be produced in the gut through the transformation of what are known as ellagitannins. These can be part of your diet as they’re found in fruits including pomegranates and raspberries, as well as some nuts.
Interest in urolithin A as a potential supplement exists for several reasons, most notably its impact on mitochondrial health (and therefore cellular energy). In the case of Mitopure, the most recent study has been specifically looking at its impact on T-cells. These are a vital part of the immune system but reduce in number and effectiveness as we age.
Timeline teamed up with the Georg-Speyer Haus Institute for Tumor and Experimental Therapy, plus the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, to conduct a study into Mitopure. It was a fairly small study with just 50 participants, but it was placebo-controlled and randomized, the gold standard for this kind of research. The participants were all middle aged.
Results suggested that Mitopure could “reenergize” T-cells, boosting their mitochondrial performance and increasing the number of CD8 cells in particular. These are young and naïve versions of T-cells without any age-related deterioration. This, in turn, led to a reduction in inflammation and a slowing down of the immune system’s decline, both key elements of aged-related disease.
As if that wasn’t enough, Timeline has announced two more clinical studies into Mitopure. One aims to investigate whether Mitopure can boost metabolic health, which is something else that can deteriorate over time. That study is a partnership with the National Institute of Aging. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Cancer is working with Timeline to manage oxidative stress.
It’s not surprising that Timeline managed to pick up $66 million in its latest round of Series D funding.
