Shenzhen, China — In a bold new push to unlock the secrets of human longevity, a longevity startup in southern China is reportedly developing anti-aging pills based on a natural compound found in grape seed extract, according to a report by The New York Times. The ambitious project is part of a broader, state-backed national priority in China to advance biotechnology and potentially extend human lifespans significantly.

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The company at the center of the attention is Lonvi Biosciences, a Shenzhen-based firm focused on developing a drug derived from the natural compound procyanidin C1 (PCC1). This compound, which is contained in grape seed extract, has shown remarkable results in preliminary animal studies.

 

Compound Kills ‘Senescent’ Cells

 

The research underpinning Lonvi’s drug is based on studies by scientists from Shanghai, which demonstrated that PCC1 was able to increase the lifespan of mice. The key to its apparent success lies in its mechanism: it works by selectively killing senescent cells, often referred to as “zombie cells.”

Senescent cells are worn-out, tired cells that accumulate in the body as we age. They cease to divide but do not die, instead releasing inflammatory molecules that damage surrounding healthy cells and contribute to age-related diseases and overall frailty. Drugs that target and destroy these cells are known as senolytics and represent one of the most promising frontiers in anti-aging medicine.

The Shanghai-based research found that treating old mice with the PCC1-based compound led to a visible increase in their physical fitness and prolonged their lifespan by up to 9 percent.

 

A Reality of 150 Years?

 

The pursuit of extended lifespan is gaining significant momentum in China, spurred by both government investment and private capital. The fervor is so high that some researchers are making extraordinary claims about future possibilities.

“It is possible to live up to 150 years [of age] and it will be a reality,” Liu Qinghua, the chief technical officer with Lonvi Biosciences, was quoted as saying by the daily. “In a few years, this will be the reality.”

However, the field remains characterized by both high-stakes investment and a degree of skepticism. While the scientific community acknowledges the immense potential of senolytic drugs to extend “healthspan” (the number of years lived in good health), some researchers noted that modern medicine is not yet close to completely defying death. Lonvi Biosciences itself reportedly remains cautious about statements claiming a complete victory over death, despite its ambitious goals.

 

China’s Longevity Race

 

China’s growing interest in longevity aligns with its rapid advancements in biotech and artificial intelligence, seeking to position itself as a global leader in advanced technologies. This push echoes an ancient Chinese quest for the “elixir of life,” which dates back to the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, but is now being pursued with rigorous, evidence-based science.

As Chinese researchers rapidly catch up to their Western counterparts, the world is watching closely. The success of Lonvi’s work, if proven in human trials, could mark a monumental shift, potentially offering the current middle-aged generation the chance to benefit from a significant extension of their healthy, productive years.