An MIT Alumni Association Publication

Promote Longevity: Results from MIT Research

  • Julie Fox
  • slice.mit.edu
  • 81

Yes, aging may be inevitable, but Leonard Guarente ’74 believes we can slow it down. With more than 34 years studying aging as director of the MIT Glenn Lab for the Science of Aging, Guarente says the key is pinpointing the factors present in youthful cells that promote cellular maintenance and determining ways to activate these mechanisms.

In 2013, Guarente started Elysium Health with co-founders Eric Marcotulli and Dan Alminana in an effort to bring products to market that could improve health based on his findings. His solution? Nutraceuticals—supplements created by pure forms of molecules found in nature.

The first supplement released by Elysium, Basis, contains two important molecules that Guarente’s research has determined to be key factors in promoting longevity. The first is a chemical precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD, a compound present in all living cells and a necessary metabolic compound for maintaining health maintenance. The second is pterostilbene, a compound that is almost identical—though proven to be more effective—than the more well-known resveratrol, a compound with health benefits related to aging that is commonly found in things like red wine and dark chocolate. “The novelty was to combine the two molecules,” says Guarente. “And then to find a way to produce them so that we could have pure compounds in the products. That took a while but we found a production facility that could do it.”

Basis was first released for sales in February 2015 after initial human trials, additional trials for safety and efficacy began in January 2016. Run by an independent group, these trials will result in a report, slated to be published in late 2016, that is expected to expand the safety data and begin to test efficacy in humans.

The trials, placebo-controlled and double-blind, will measure markers of good health like blood glucose, lipids, levels of inflammation, sleep and energy, as well as tests based on physical capacity. “It is imperative that we do this and it will really set us apart from almost anybody out there in the dietary supplement area, making us more like a drug company in terms of scientific rigor.”

A clinical trial isn’t the only factor adding to their credibility. They also have a team of more than two dozen scientists, including six Nobel Laureates, and a focus on quality control. Elysium is creating a new breed of supplement companies, says Guarente. “It’s an unmet need. Our challenge is to identify the right products and be as rigorous as possible in testing them.”

Elysium is also planning to release two new supplements in the coming year. “A lot of our customers are people who really want to take ownership of their own health maintenance and they want to be proactive in health,” says Guarente. “They want to learn from us and we try to provide them with as much information as possible.”

Photo: M. Scott Brauer.

Comments

Shannon

Wed, 05/25/2016 7:12pm

Would love to know what you're taking....

In reply to by Tom

tom

Fri, 05/20/2016 8:37pm

HI again Dorothy, I don't know if you know about TELOMERE'S , I just had mine tested and my telometer's are twice the length of the average 77 yr. old male. I can say that GOJI JUICE has help me in that area. tom

In reply to by Dorothy

Dorothy

Fri, 05/20/2016 8:32pm

Thanks Tom, you have given me more help than my doctor. I appreciate it and might just leave you something in my will. With these two youth elixirs, I may never die, though.haha thanks again

In reply to by tom

Donnie

Sat, 05/14/2016 4:28am

Hey Dorthy, did you ever did out what nutrients Tom was taking? Thanks, Donnie

In reply to by Dorothy Grob

tom

Fri, 05/13/2016 10:52pm

Hi Dorothy ,I have Been taking goji juice for 10 years and I completely refurbished my body and cells to a point where they actually get younger. two years ago I found a mushroom call Reishi and it also Creates stem cells. As you age your Cells die there's not enough stem cells 2 replace the dying off ones. both goji and Reishi allows your body to create new stem cells. if you start this regiment you won't notice a difference from one day to the next but over time your eyes, ears,hair will get younger. just stay the course and you will be rewarded what the health of your body. if you have questions just email me. Tom

In reply to by Dorothy

Tom

Thu, 04/28/2016 10:19pm

I am interested in finding out what you're taking.Sounds to good to be true.

In reply to by Tom

Dorothy Grob

Mon, 04/25/2016 9:13pm

Hi Tom, could you tell me what the products are you were taking? You seem to have had great results so I am interested. Thanks for any info you can send me.

In reply to by Tom

Christina

Sun, 04/24/2016 2:29pm

Hi, Tom. Please email me what it is your taking. I really like to know about it and how I can benefit.

Thank you,
Christina

In reply to by Tom

Scott Jones

Fri, 04/22/2016 6:53am

Please share details...

In reply to by Tom

Chris

Sun, 05/08/2016 3:06pm

Have you tried Humira? It has helped my friend tremdously. Good luck.

In reply to by Cindy

Jennifer

Thu, 04/14/2016 12:21pm

I hope this is not another scam. I have literally tried every lotion, potion and gadget and nothing works short of surgery.

Danny Castonguay

Fri, 01/22/2016 12:44am

Where's the data? The best marketing for me would be that the experimental data be easily available so I can check it out and make my decisions about the product.

Marie

Thu, 04/14/2016 12:07pm

I am highly allergic to Resveratrol. Have never been able to drink red wine or take any supplements that list that as an ingredient. How will this new agent help me ????
Thank you

Lee Zimmerman

Sun, 05/01/2016 3:46pm

Nothing is more convincing but not totally conclusive is large number, double blind, tests, done by unrealted facilities. Early in medical school I remember a professor saying; " Lies, Damn Lies, and Staticits...."

Mark Jay

Fri, 05/13/2016 11:33pm

My formula is a synergistic combination of the three most important algae: chlorella, spirulina and marine phytoplankton. Of the three, the phytoplankton is the most powerful and concentrated. Together they are highly effective in invigorating the endocrine system and stimulating the glands to produce much needed hormones.
The result from taking my formula is a noticeable increase in cognitive functioning, an absence of joint paint or bodily inflammation, an increase in libido and a continual sense of joy.
These single cell algae are the cutting edge of nutrition. Humans, mammals and fish can derive the utmost benefit by daily consuming even a small amount. I encourage anyone who is interested in longevity, anti-aging and happy life to try my product risk free and learn about the amazing benefits of using single cell algae and plankton in your diet.
Asante!

Tom

Tue, 04/19/2016 11:32pm

I have found a nutrient and a mushroom that stimulate The growth Of new stem cells. I have been using one for 10 years and one for 2 years and I have rolled back the time on my body. The hair on my body has turned from grey to Black, I wore glasses for 50 years now I just use them for driving. My last hearing test the doctor told me what I was hearing 2000 Hertz higher the previous test. I had a heart beat that would miss every fourth beat , after 3 years on my 1st nutrient my heart start beating normally. I am now 77 years old and never felt better about my life. some people call this nutrigenomics.

Dorothy

Sat, 04/23/2016 11:36pm

Would like to know what Tom is taking.

In reply to by Scott Jones

Wyniece Speed Harris

Fri, 05/27/2016 1:05pm

I would be interested in finding out more about your product.

In reply to by Mark Jay

Dorothy

Tue, 05/24/2016 10:57pm

I'm impressed, Tom. Genes may come into play here,eh? I put my order in for the goji juice and Reishi from vitacost. Will arrive soon. You must be doing other brilliant things,also. What do you eat, and how much do you exercise?

In reply to by tom

tom

Tue, 05/24/2016 10:40pm

HI again Dot, one side bar to my story. I just had my telomeres test it and my telomeres measure twice the length of an average 77 year old man. I guess I could assume that goji has help me in more than one way that I didn't know about. I found a place that does telomere testing for $125. Take care, Tom

In reply to by Dorothy

tom

Thu, 05/19/2016 10:39pm

Hi Donnie, I have been using Goji juice for the last 10 years. the reason that I have used Goji juice is because it initiates new stem cells. over years your body doesn't produce stem cells as it did when you were younger. like I said in my write-up all those things really happened and I feel like I have a younger body now because of stem cell therapy created by Gogi. 2 years ago I found a mushroom called Reishi, it also help trigger new stem cells. if you start this regiment you won't see results from day-to-day but you will see results from year to year. any questions email me. Tom

In reply to by Donnie

tom

Sat, 05/14/2016 11:15pm

Hi Tom,nice Name, I have been using goji juice for over 10 years it changed most cells in my body. goji juice stimulates the growth of new stem cells. as we age we have less Stem cells to replace the cells that die. 2 yrs ago I found a mushroom called Reishi. it also helps with the creation of new stem cells.my sight, hearing,all grey hair body change to black. if you start this regiment you will not see a day-to-day change but surely you will see great changes through your whole body From year to year. if you have any questions just contact me. Tom

In reply to by Tom

tom

Fri, 05/13/2016 10:39pm

Hi Scott, I have been taking a GOJI juice for 10 years just two teaspoons a day and it creates new stem cells that rejuvenate the body as cells that die. I found reishi mushroom 2 years ago which also creates new stem cells.if you start this regime each day you won't notice a difference but you will basically you look and feel the same 5 years later. just stay the course and add some physical exercise you will enjoy a healthy life. if you want more information just email me. Tom

In reply to by Scott Jones

Eugene Fein

Sun, 04/24/2016 3:28am

Do what I did I went to Florida found the fountain of youth and you won't believe the results! I have some water left contact me I will send you some!

In reply to by Marie

Dorothy

Thu, 05/19/2016 11:41pm

Yes. He said he takes goji berry juice- 2 teaspoons per day. Also, Reishi mushroom but He didn't say how much or in what form.

In reply to by Donnie

Cindy

Mon, 05/02/2016 9:06pm

I have RA, I can't do biologics do to I had to have part of my lung removed because of mold, cryptococcus. Have been on diflucan for a year now and might get to come off this next month. Kind of scary to come off. I take methotrexate pill form and prednisone and folic acid for the RA. Plus D3. vitamin C, biotin and a multiple. So do you guys do any research or clinical trials for RA and do you have anything for RA? thanks

Wyniece Speed Harris

Fri, 05/27/2016 1:00pm

I would like to know what substance/ mushroom you are speaking of. Thanks!

In reply to by Tom

Maia

Thu, 05/26/2016 2:57am

Hi ! What exactly do you take ?

In reply to by Tom

Dorothy

Thu, 05/19/2016 11:26pm

Thanks Tom! I will try both. Do you buy a certain brand and how much of each?

In reply to by tom

Ray

Tue, 05/17/2016 4:54pm

The Synergy Company's product "Pure Synergy" is already making the superfood you just described. It's been around for 35 years.

In reply to by Tom

Andy

Fri, 05/13/2016 2:38pm

Hello Tom,
Very interested in hearing details about the two products that you're taking - thanks for sharing have a great day

In reply to by Tom

Jackson Thomas

Sun, 01/22/2017 5:10pm

Quote is from Benjamin Disraeli ....I think? ...People really can manipulate statistics to make their point of view seem correct. Disraeli was , what? PMinister of Great Britain? ---something like that.....can be easily looked up.

In reply to by Lee Zimmerman

tom

Thu, 05/26/2016 10:44pm

Hi Shannon, I have been taking Goji juice for the last 10 years and Reishi mushrooms for the last 2 years. they both stimulate stem cells. as you get older your stem cell output will diminish and without replacing the dying body cells you eventually wear yourself down. the stem cells that are generated buy goji and Reishi replenish new cells that help to cancel out the dying cells. if you start this regime you will not notice a day today change but eventually you will See a year 2 year change reversing some aging processes. Tom

In reply to by Shannon

tom

Fri, 05/20/2016 4:22pm

Hi Dorothy, you can organic goji at "vitacost.com" item- 7010493, REISHI at "Planetary HERBALS" called 'REISHI MUSHROOM SUPREME" item 2107810124. one tablet a day. if you start this regime i would advise you to take goji twice a day 12 hours apart. since it works so good, twice a day will speed up the process. any questions email me. tom

In reply to by Dorothy

Kerry

Sat, 11/26/2016 3:43am

I'm a 63 year female and suffer from insomnia. Otherwise I feel ok but know that if I could sleep without medication I'd look and feel better. Would this product help me?

tom

Sat, 05/14/2016 3:24am

Christina, I have taken Goji juice 2 for the last 10 years and my whole body has reverted to a younger body. as we age we start depleting our stemcells production, by our body it decreases. 2 yrs ago I found a mushroom called Reishi that has the ability to stimulate our body to create stem cells.if you start this regiment you will not notice a difference from day to day, but as years pass you will not see a aging difference in your body. if you need any more info just get in touch with me. Tom

In reply to by Christina

Andy

Fri, 05/13/2016 2:42pm

Hello,
My brother has experience kidney damage from Humira - it works but has pretty bad side effects

In reply to by Chris

Jennifer King

Mon, 05/09/2016 11:38am

Anti-aging for the eyes, face, body & brain

In reply to by Jennifer

Kevin

Wed, 06/01/2016 12:59pm

I am a 55 year old male. About two months ago I read another article on aging and Elysium. I thought it looked interesting, so I made a what-the-hell purchase. Based on what I had read, I didn’t expect any near-term benefits. I looked at this as a longer-term benefit product.

However, 1 – 2 days later I realized that I had a noticeably higher level of energy and mental sharpness, and it was sustained all day.

I had my wife try it. Same results. And she had a noticeable reduction in pain related to her fibromyalgia.

We had our son try it. Same results on the energy issue.

We are now very enthusiastic Elysium customers.

For the record, I am in no way affiliated with Elysium, nor am I compensated in any way for my comments on the product.

tom

Sat, 05/14/2016 3:43am

Hi Dorothy, I have been using Goji juice for the last 10 years and found that over the years my body reverted to a younger person. it comes from the ability to have the body create new stem cells. As we age we lose more and more cells goji create new stem cells to cancels out the depletion of our own cells. Two years ago I found a mushroom called Reish, that has the same ability as goji to create new stem cells. you will not notice a difference from day to day on this regiment, but over the years you will not change that much. Any questions get in touch with me. Tom

In reply to by Dorothy Grob

Pusat Motor In…

Sun, 05/29/2016 10:21pm

Humans merely trying though took 40 years ...

R

Sun, 05/01/2016 4:09am

https://chromadex.com/wpresources/Upload/Article/Literature/Ingredient/What-is-NAD+WhitePaper_CDX.pdf

In reply to by Danny Castonguay

jacqueline kello

Tue, 05/24/2016 3:30pm

How is it absorbed and excreted? Can you measure uptake, its levels in the bloodstream over what time frame, even better, see the cells in the process of ingestion. Otherwise, you are just excreting it. There are two many variables to judge the product by perceived effects.

A colon

Mon, 05/16/2016 4:19am

I would like to participate in your study.

Aisha

Mon, 05/16/2016 4:14am

I am interested in participating in the study.

Andy

Fri, 05/13/2016 2:44pm

If you do the trials please add me to the list of candidates I would be very interested in participating

m88

Mon, 05/02/2016 6:37pm

I’m 55; I’ve been in very good health . I’ve been very tired. So ,after reading this article , I’d love to be concidered to participate in an upcoming trial . I’m not ready to slow down ! I love my life! Fighting!!!!

carol

Sun, 05/01/2016 10:34pm

Would this help C O P D ?

Maria Flores

Sun, 05/01/2016 10:33pm

Yes i'm interested in this study and products.

Bob Labreche

Sun, 05/01/2016 9:27pm

I'm very interested in participation in your study or even becoming a customer if that is the only path. I study cancer tumor locations and environmental influences in the USA and internationally as well. Please contact me.