Longevity Clinical Trials Tracker: Key Anti-Aging Studies to Watch in 2026

The Golden Age of Longevity Clinical Trials

We are living through an unprecedented era in aging research. For the first time in history, multiple clinical trials are specifically testing interventions designed to slow, halt, or reverse aspects of biological aging in humans. These studies represent the translation of decades of laboratory and animal research into potential therapies that could fundamentally change how we approach aging.

This guide tracks the most significant longevity clinical trials underway or recently completed as of 2026, organized by intervention type. Understanding these trials may help contextualize the longevity science landscape and provide insight into which anti-aging approaches are closest to clinical reality.

Landmark Trials

TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin)

Status: Ongoing enrollment Institution: Albert Einstein College of Medicine (multi-site) Intervention: Metformin 1500mg daily Population: 3,000 adults aged 65-79 Duration: 6 years Primary endpoint: Time to new age-related chronic disease

The TAME trial is arguably the most important clinical trial in the history of aging research. Its significance extends beyond metformin itself — if successful, TAME will establish the regulatory precedent that aging can be treated as a condition, potentially opening the door for FDA consideration of other anti-aging interventions.

The trial uses a composite endpoint of multiple age-related diseases (cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia, and mortality) to test whether metformin can delay the onset of age-related multimorbidity. This innovative design addresses the challenge that aging affects multiple organ systems simultaneously.

Dog Aging Project (DAP) - Rapamycin

Status: Active Institution: University of Washington (multi-site) Intervention: Low-dose rapamycin Population: Companion dogs (various breeds and sizes) Duration: 3-5 years Primary endpoints: Lifespan, healthspan measures

While not a human trial, the Dog Aging Project’s rapamycin arm is significant because dogs age similarly to humans and share our environment. The study is testing whether low-dose rapamycin can extend healthy lifespan in companion dogs, potentially providing translatable evidence for human applications.

Early results have shown improvements in cardiac function in treated dogs, generating significant interest in the longevity community.

Senolytic Trials

Dasatinib + Quercetin Studies

Multiple trials are testing the senolytic combination of dasatinib plus quercetin across various age-related conditions:

Alzheimer’s Disease (SToMP-AD):

• Testing D+Q in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients
• Measuring senescent cell burden, cognitive function, and neuroinflammation
• Represents one of the first tests of the geroscience hypothesis in neurodegeneration

Diabetic Kidney Disease:

• Evaluating whether periodic D+Q can improve kidney function
• Measuring senescent cell markers and renal biomarkers
• Building on preclinical evidence of senolytic benefits in kidney aging

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis:

• Continuing earlier work showing D+Q reduced senescent cell markers
• Evaluating functional improvements in lung capacity
• Longer-term follow-up of senolytic safety

Fisetin Trials

AFFIRM-LITE:

• Testing the natural flavonoid fisetin as a senolytic
• Evaluating effects on inflammatory markers and frailty
• Assessing oral fisetin bioavailability and tissue distribution

COVID-19 Recovery:

• Testing whether fisetin can reduce persistent senescent cells after severe COVID-19
• Measuring inflammatory biomarkers and functional recovery
• Based on evidence that viral infections accelerate cellular senescence

NAD+ Boosting Trials

NMN Studies

Multiple clinical trials are evaluating nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation:

NMN and Muscle Function:

• Testing NMN effects on muscle strength and aerobic capacity in older adults
• Measuring NAD+ levels, mitochondrial function, and physical performance
• Addressing the critical question of whether NMN benefits translate to functional improvements

NMN and Metabolic Health:

• Evaluating NMN effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
• Testing various dosing protocols
• Measuring both blood NAD+ levels and metabolic endpoints

NR Studies

Nicotinamide riboside trials continue to generate data:

Cardiovascular Endpoints:

• Testing NR effects on blood pressure, vascular function, and arterial stiffness
• Longer-duration studies to assess sustained cardiovascular benefits
• Comparing different dosing strategies

Rapamycin and Rapalog Trials

Low-Dose Rapamycin

Immune Enhancement in Elderly:

• Paradoxically, low-dose rapamycin (or rapalogs) may enhance immune function in older adults
• Previous studies showed improved vaccine responses in elderly subjects
• Current trials are exploring optimal dosing for immune rejuvenation

Periodontal Health:

• Testing topical rapamycin for age-related periodontal disease
• Based on evidence that mTOR inhibition may benefit gum tissue
• A novel approach to testing mTOR inhibition with minimal systemic exposure

GLP-1 Agonist Studies

Beyond Weight Loss

GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide are being investigated for potential longevity benefits beyond their established metabolic effects:

Cardiovascular Outcomes:

• Large-scale trials examining cardiovascular benefits in non-diabetic populations
• Potential anti-inflammatory effects being assessed
• Long-term mortality data accumulating

Neurological Protection:

• Studies testing GLP-1 agonists for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
• Based on evidence of neuroprotective effects in animal models
• Potentially significant implications for brain aging

Emerging Intervention Trials

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Several trials are evaluating HBOT protocols for aging-related endpoints:

• Telomere lengthening and senescent cell reduction
• Cognitive function in healthy elderly
• Biological age measurement changes

Exercise as Medicine

While exercise is not a drug, several rigorous clinical trials are establishing exercise as a formal medical intervention for aging:

• The LIFE study and its follow-ups comparing exercise types for longevity outcomes
• Trials establishing minimum effective doses for various aging biomarkers
• Studies comparing exercise to pharmaceutical interventions

Combination Approaches

Some of the most innovative trials are testing combinations of interventions:

• Senolytics combined with NAD+ boosters
• Exercise plus pharmacological interventions
• Multi-target supplement protocols

Key Challenges in Longevity Trials

Endpoint Selection

The biggest challenge in longevity clinical trials is choosing appropriate endpoints:

• Mortality: The gold standard but requires very large studies over very long periods
• Disease incidence: More practical but may miss broader aging effects
• Biomarker panels: Faster but may not predict clinical outcomes
• Epigenetic age: Promising but not yet fully validated as a clinical endpoint
• Functional measures: Practical and meaningful but variable between individuals

Regulatory Framework

The FDA does not currently recognize aging as an indication for drug approval. The TAME trial is working to change this by demonstrating that aging interventions can be tested and approved under existing regulatory frameworks, using a composite disease endpoint approach.

Funding and Duration

Longevity trials face unique funding challenges:

• Pharmaceutical companies have limited incentive to develop drugs for aging (which is not a recognized condition)
• The long duration of aging studies makes them expensive
• Academic funding cycles may be shorter than the studies require
• Patient recruitment for multi-year studies is challenging

How to Stay Informed

Resources for Tracking Trials

Several resources help track longevity clinical trials:

• ClinicalTrials.gov: The comprehensive registry of all registered clinical trials
• Lifespan.io: Curates a database of specifically aging-related clinical trials
• AFAR (American Federation for Aging Research): Provides updates on major aging studies
• Academic journals: Aging, GeroScience, and Nature Aging regularly publish trial results

Participating in Trials

For those interested in contributing to longevity research through trial participation:

• Search ClinicalTrials.gov for aging-related trials in your area
• Contact academic medical centers with aging research programs
• Discuss potential participation with your healthcare provider
• Consider that trial participation involves both potential benefits and risks

The Bottom Line

The current landscape of longevity clinical trials represents a pivotal moment in the history of aging research. For the first time, interventions that have shown remarkable results in animal models are being rigorously tested in humans. The results of these trials over the coming years may fundamentally reshape our approach to aging and age-related disease.

While no approved anti-aging therapy exists yet, the volume, diversity, and quality of ongoing clinical trials suggest that evidence-based longevity interventions may become available in the foreseeable future. Staying informed about these developments empowers individuals to make evidence-based decisions about their own aging journey.