Alk5 kinase inhibitor: Have scientists just found a cure for old age? New drug rejuvenates brain AND muscle tissue

Scientists may have just gone and done the unthinkable by identifying an anti-aging drug.

Early research in mice found that the Alk5 kinase inhibitor simultaneously sprung back old muscle and brain tissue into a youthful state.

David Schaffer, of the University of Califoia, Berkeley Stem Cell Centre in US, said: ‘We established that you can use a single small molecule to rescue essential function in not only aged brain tissue but aged muscle.

‘That is good news, because if every tissue had a different molecular mechanism for ageing, we wouldn't be able to have a single intervention that rescues the function of multiple tissues.'

As we age our bodies gradually shut down because adult stem cells stop replacing damaged ones.

This new drug targets those failing stem cells and restores their ability to do their job.

Experts have praised the find, but voiced caution that the research is still in its very early stages and other stem cell pathways are continually explored.