The Hospital del Mar Research Institute, along with the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG) and the IrsiCaixa entity, has been selected as a semifinalist in the prestigious XPRIZE Healthspan competition, organized by the XPRIZE Foundation in the United States. Their project, called VITA, stood out among more than 200 proposals and is the only one from Spain that has successfully passed this initial stage, ensuring them $250,000 in funding to demonstrate the viability of their approach to healthy aging and extending quality of life.
VITA is conceived as an innovative initiative that seeks to jointly use two molecules already employed in other contexts, as well as promote lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with aging. The selected molecules are lamivudine, a commonly used antiviral, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a component of green tea known for its cognitive benefits. Rafael de la Torre, the principal investigator of the project, notes that the goal is to rejuvenate muscular, immune, and cognitive functions through the synergistic action of these substances.
Bonaventura Clotet, director of IrsiCaixa, has highlighted the significance of this collaboration, which combines the expertise of the three institutions with the aim of improving quality of life in old age. Additionally, Mara Dierssen, principal investigator at the CRG, emphasized that VITA represents an innovative pathway that could lead to tangible benefits for the health and well-being of older adults.
The team has one year to achieve preliminary results and design a clinical trial to justify their approach. The competition also includes a second phase, where $1 million will be awarded for each additional year the treatment manages to add to individuals’ healthy life. Ultimately, XPRIZE Healthspan encourages significant advancements in the management of aging, pointing towards a future where quality of life and health are preserved over the years.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
