An anti-ageing drug that could help people to live longer and healthier lives is on the horizon after scientists extended lifespan in mammals by 25 per cent.
Imperial College discovered that switching off a protein called interleukin 11 (IL-11) prevented cancer, boosted vision and hearing, and improved metabolism, lung health and muscle function in middle-aged mice.
It may even prevent hair loss and greying.
Videos released by Imperial showed untreated mice with greying patches on their fur, hair loss and weight gain, while the treated mice appeared sprightly with thick, glossy coats.
The treated mice also lived for an average of 155 weeks, compared with 120 weeks in untreated mice.
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