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BIA-Brukerstyrt innovasjonsarena

Method for measuring biological age

Alternative title: Metode for måling av biologisk alder

Awarded: NOK 10.2 mill.

Aging is the most important risk factor for many chronic diseases and death. Typical age-related diseases include cancer, heart attack, stroke and dementia. Common to age-related diseases is that they appear late in life. It is still a mystery how the aging process makes us exposed to such a wide variety of diseases. In order to prevent age-related diseases early, we need to measure the aging process, but this is not yet possible to do precisely enough. In recent years, research has shown that cells use our genes differently throughout life. Our cells do this by switching their genes on or off, using chemical markers. Such markers are called "epigenetics". At Age Labs, we use these epigenetic markers to measure the aging process. The project has recently identified epigenetic patterns that are suitable for detecting arthritis early in the course. We are now in the process of confirming this finding. These results will be used in preventive treatment, enable earlier treatment of individuals with arthritis, as well as contribute to the development of new drugs.

The molecular diagnostics startup Age Labs is leading a consortium of R&D organizations and commercial partners in developing a novel blood-based predictor for human mortality risk and age-related diseases. The consortium has developed methods and perform advanced molecular analyses on a large number of unique biological samples and are currently validating an important biomarker for the early detection of rheumatoid arthritis. The team has the extensive experience necessary for creating an unrivaled risk predictor based on the recent breakthroughs in molecular biology. Our commercial and research partners consists of seasoned professionals from the pharmaceutical industry, preventive cardiology and laboratory services.

Funding scheme:

BIA-Brukerstyrt innovasjonsarena