The brief

Analyst view

• NIA is part of NIH with a FY2021 budget of $3.9 billion, among the largest NIH institutes.
• The Interventions Testing Program runs at three sites and is the standard test for lifespan-extending compounds.
• ITP has identified rapamycin, acarbose, and 17α-estradiol as compounds that extend lifespan in mice.

Technical approach

As reported

Test sites

Multi-site testing in diverse mice

Three independent sites test compounds in genetically heterogeneous mice to verify reproducibility.

Compounds

Oral drug candidates

ITP evaluates small-molecule drugs given by mouth, prioritized by peer recommendation and scientific rationale.

Outcomes

Lifespan and health metrics

ITP measures lifespan extension, motor function, and disease markers to identify compounds that extend healthy life.