IISc has unveiled the 'Longevity India Initiative'

Aims to enhance human healthspan, address advancing age

India's elderly population to reach 347 million by 2050

In a groundbreaking move challenging the notion of aging as an inevitable process, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has unveiled the ‘Longevity India Initiative.’ Launched on April 18, the initiative aims to enhance human healthspan and address the myriad challenges associated with advancing age.

With India’s elderly population projected to reach a staggering 347 million by 2050, the initiative underscores the critical need for investment in systems supporting aging populations, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw reportedly emphasized during the launch event.

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The initiative brings together researchers from various IISc departments, clinicians, industry experts, philanthropists, and civil society stakeholders. Its focal points include identifying early disease indicators, exploring aging biomarkers, and pioneering new therapeutics and technologies to promote healthy aging.

Highlighting the significance of existing IISc research groups in this field, Govindan Rangarajan, director of the institute, reportedly stressed the urgent necessity for collaboration across academia, healthcare, and industry. He expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly impact the mounting burden of aging in the country.

To facilitate the initiative’s objectives, MS Ramaiah Hospital and Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute (BMCRI) have entered official collaborations to conduct clinical studies aimed at identifying aging biomarkers.

Leading companies such as Beckman Coulter, Healthians, Valerian Proteomics, and Decode Age have pledged their technology at reduced prices to accelerate these efforts.