The Translational Efficacy Gap
Why Mouse Models Fail Humans
A meta-analysis of over 400 longevity interventions tested in murine models reveals a severe bottleneck in translational medicine. While interventions like Resveratrol and NR have shown significant lifespan extensions in C57BL/6 mice, their effects on human biomarkers in Phase I/II trials have been largely insignificant.
Key Factors
- Metabolic Rate: Mice have a basal metabolic rate roughly 7 times higher than humans.
- Telomere Length: Laboratory mice possess remarkably long telomeres compared to humans, altering cellular senescence pathways.
- Pathogen Exposure: SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) lab environments do not replicate human immune exhaustion.
The Institute mandates that clinical protocols rely primarily on human, or at minimum, non-human primate data.