XPRIZE Healthspan aims to add scientific rigor to longevity studies

BERKELEY, Calif. — Jamie Justice, a researcher focused on anti-aging, embarked on a superhero-like mission with her recent career move. She transitioned from a tenure-track position at Wake Forest University to collaborate with entrepreneur Peter Diamandis on a global initiative known as XPRIZE Healthspan. This $101 million competition aims to discover therapeutic treatments that enhance muscle, cognition, and immune function in the elderly.

During a presentation at the Vitalist Bay longevity conference this month, Justice addressed a significant issue in the anti-aging market: the lack of reliable methods to verify the effectiveness of treatments. As the executive director of XPRIZE Healthspan, she explained that the competition was established to address this challenge. This year, 10 teams were chosen from a group of 40 applicants. These teams must conduct yearlong randomized controlled clinical trials to evaluate their therapies, with the winner of the grand prize to be announced in 2030. 

Sporting wide-legged jeans and a dark blazer, Justice guided the conference attendees through the diverse strategies that XPRIZE competitors are employing to tackle longevity. Among the leading approaches are exercise, senolytics—drugs targeting the damaged “zombie” cells that accumulate with age—and personalized medicine focused on biomarkers.

The field of longevity research is known for attracting individuals with unconventional theories, as acknowledged by those involved. (One such character was seen wearing a purple cape at Vitalist Bay.) Jamie Justice, who maintains her academic connections as an adjunct assistant professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine at Wake Forest, represents a more grounded, science-driven approach to the field. However, she advocates for an inclusive approach to anti-aging research. “As scientists, we need to be cautious not to become gatekeepers,” she remarked in an interview with STAT following her presentation.

In a discussion with STAT, Justice elaborated on the XPRIZE Healthspan competitors, explored research on the desires of older adults, and addressed the issue of fraudulent companies tarnishing the reputation of the longevity industry.