An Israeli biotech company claims it is on the verge of human trials for a breakthrough drug that could extend human lifespan by up to 30 percent. Tel Aviv-based Sirtlab is developing a treatment that targets the age-regulating protein SIRT-6, which the company says also enhances brain function, organ health, and overall vitality.
Israeli news site N12 reported Friday that Sirtlab is preparing for clinical trials on a compound designed to stimulate SIRT-6, a protein linked to youth, longevity, and disease resistance. If successful, the treatment could become available within three years, pending regulatory approval.
Professor Haim Cohen, Sirtlab’s chief scientist and head of the Sagol Institute for Longevity Research, stated that the drug has already restored SIRT-6 levels in animal studies, replicating those found in younger specimens. “When this protein is more active in old age, not only do you live longer—you live healthier,” Cohen explained. Observed benefits included improved memory, enhanced liver function, and even renewed hair growth.
Animal trials demonstrated that subjects with increased SIRT-6 function exhibited energy levels, physical resilience, and organ health comparable to much younger animals. Researchers believe this suggests aging itself, rather than just disease, can be slowed or partially reversed.
Sirtlab has secured millions in funding and is fast-tracking development through the Israeli investment platform PipelBiz. CEO Boaz Misholi emphasized the research’s potential, while VP of R&D Dr. Hagit Ashush noted that the goal is to delay chronic diseases and extend not just lifespan, but quality of life.
The company’s advancements highlight Israel’s expanding role in global biotech innovation, reinforcing its status as a key player in high-impact scientific research. If trials succeed, the treatment could move quickly through international regulatory pathways, particularly in the U.S., where biotech investment and FDA fast-track programs prioritize age-related therapeutics.
With the anti-aging market projected to surpass $120 billion by 2030, Israel and the U.S.—both leaders in biotech innovation—are positioned to be central players in the industry. For the United States, where more than 56 million Americans are over 65 and healthcare systems face mounting pressures from age-related conditions, such a therapy could offer significant medical and economic benefits. Sirtlab’s work is expected to attract interest from American investors, regulators, and pharmaceutical firms, further strengthening U.S.-Israel scientific collaborations.
