TT-Therapy

Telomeres are the caps at the end of the DNA strand. Visualize the plastic cases that cap the end of shoelaces: This is what a telomere is like. Telomeres protect the chromosomes. Over time, telomeres shorten and this shortening can impact the cellular aging process.

We have developed a therapeutic strategy by using AAVs to transiently activate telomerase in adult tissue. Treatment with Telomere therapy using nonintegrative, replication-incompetent AAV9 vectors was able to delay aging and increase longevity by decreasing age-related pathologies such as osteoporosis and glucose intolerance, as well as neuromuscular and cognitive decline. Furthermore, the onset of cancer was delayed.

These findings support the notion that telomere shortening is at the origin of age-related diseases and that, by reverting this process with telomerase expression, it is possible to delay and more effectively treat age-associated pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, TT therapy is particularly attractive for the clinical treatment of human telomere syndromes associated with telomerase mutations and short telomeres.

With this IMMI24 innovation, we utilize telomere therapy treatment to help our patients slow or reverse the effects of aging. This therapy can result in healthier skin, hair, and immune systems — in summary, healthier and more robust and energetic lives.