Sierra Sciences, LLC is a company devoted to finding ways to extend our healthspans and lifespans beyond the theoretical maximum of 125 years. Scientific research has shown that this theoretical maximum is limited because of the length of our telomeres which shorten as we get older. Our reproductive cells don't experience this shortening, and thus don't age, because they contain an enzyme called telomerase that re-lengthens the telomeres as they shorten. Sierra Sciences is searching for pharmaceuticals that will induce the production of telomerase in all our cells
We believe aging can be controlled
by controlling telomere length. Relengthening telomeres may possibly rejuvenate cell function to a healthy pre-senescent state.
On November 6th, 2007, Sierra Sciences found its first telomerase inducing chemical; called C0057684. This chemical is the first ever discovered that activates the telomerase enzyme gene without killing the cells. Efforts are presently underway to learn everything possible about C0057684. But in addition, C0057684 has provided Sierra Sciences with the first positive control ever for detection of telomerase gene activity in normal human cells. This has served as a very powerful tool for the development of robust high throughput screening assays for finding additional telomerase inducing chemicals.
Sierra Sciences has been mentioned in several anti-aging blogs. Read Dr. Andrews' recent interview with David Bunnell, a writer on the subject of life extension