The study is investigating life itself. Spurred by a 2014 British study in particular, the researchers plan to study if a generic pill for Type 2 diabetes called metformin can delay or prevent diseases associated with aging, such as cancer, cognitive decline or heart issues, according to the report. Pharmaceutical companies are not involved in the study, nor are the physicians financially tied to metformin, according to the report.
“Clearly we have tapped into something that is fundamental to humanity,” S. Jay Olshansky, PhD, a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago who is involved in the project, told The Wall Street Journal.
Seniors from every corner of the U.S. and across the world have already started to ask to participate, according to the report. Many write or call to tell their stories about how well they are aging. Some have even located Dr. Olshansky’s cell phone number.
The professor said he has never seen so much interest in a study and usually researchers have to beg for volunteers or pay them money, according to the report.
Most of the prospective participants are trying desperately to ward off the side effects of old age, according to the report. Even Dr. Olshansky’s 64-year-old sister has applied to join the study.
Formal patient recruitment is still a year away, according to the report.
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