Interventions Testing Program (ITP)

The Interventions Testing Program (ITP) is a research initiative aimed at identifying treatments with the potential to extend healthy life in mammals, particularly in mice. Funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the program tests various compounds for their effects on lifespan and healthspan.

Background

The ITP was established to address the growing interest in interventions that could delay aging and improve health in later life. It was recognized that rigorous, multi-site testing was necessary to validate potential anti-aging compounds.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the ITP is to identify compounds that significantly affect aging and longevity in mice. These findings could have implications for human health and aging.

Methodology

Compound Selection

Compounds are selected for testing based on various criteria, including prior evidence of lifespan extension in model organisms and potential applicability to human health.

Experimental Design

The ITP conducts experiments across multiple research centers. Mice are treated with selected compounds and monitored for changes in lifespan, health markers, and age-related diseases.

Findings

Over the years, the ITP has tested numerous compounds. Some, like rapamycin, have shown significant effects on lifespan and healthspan in mice.

Implications

The findings from the ITP contribute to the understanding of aging and may guide future research in gerontology and the development of therapies to extend healthy life in humans.

See Also

• National Institute on Aging - Interventions Testing Program