GoKawiilLife Biosciences begins human trial of Yuancheng Lu's age-reversal gene therapy for glaucoma
Geneticist Yuancheng Lu, working in David Sinclair's Harvard lab, developed a reprogramming gene therapy in 2018 that regenerated crushed optic nerves in mice and restored their vision. That same therapy, now called ER-100, has been adapted for humans by the startup Life Biosciences, which in June injected it into the eye of a glaucoma patient as part of a clinical trial.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This marks one of the first direct tests of cellular reprogramming—an approach central to the broader longevity field—in living humans, moving age-reversal science from mouse experiments toward real medical treatment. If successful, it could offer a path to reversing vision loss from optic nerve damage, a condition currently considered irreversible, and validate reprogramming as a viable therapeutic strategy beyond eye disease.
- Lu's 2018 Harvard study restored sight in blinded mice using reprogramming gene therapy.
- Life Biosciences has now injected a nearly identical therapy, ER-100, into a human glaucoma patient.
- The trial represents an early real-world test of reprogramming-based rejuvenation science in people.
Lifespan by David Sinclair (book) — David Sinclair, the Harvard lab head quoted in this story, lays out his case for aging as a treatable condition in Lifespan — including the reprogramming research that led to these optic nerve results. It's the natural next read if the idea of restoring sight through age reversal grabbed you.
See Lifespan by David Sinclair (book) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: technologyreview.com — Antonio Regalado, 2026-09-08
Published there as: “This geneticist’s age-reversal tech could help restore sight”
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