Longevity & AgingRetro Biosciences Enters Human Trials Targeting Alzheimer's With Autophagy Drug
Retro Biosciences, a longevity startup backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has begun its first human clinical trial testing an oral drug designed to boost autophagy — the body's cellular waste-removal system — to combat toxic protein buildup linked to Alzheimer's disease. The Phase 1 study, conducted in Australia, is evaluating safety and early biological signals. So far, no significant safety concerns have been reported, and the company expects to release preliminary data around August 2026. The trial marks a significant shift for the longevity sector, moving from animal research into actual human medicine. Retro is valued at $1.8 billion and aims to add 10 healthy, disease-free years to human lifespan.
