hTERT Telomerase Gene Therapy — Gene Therapy & Genetic Interventions
AAV-delivered human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene therapy to extend telomeres and reverse cellular senescence.
Overview
hTERT telomerase gene therapy delivers the catalytic subunit of human telomerase via adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to restore telomere length in somatic cells. In preclinical models, AAV9-hTERT administration extended telomeres, improved metabolic markers, reduced senescence biomarkers, and increased median lifespan without increasing cancer incidence. BioViva Sciences conducted a self-experiment in 2015 claiming telomere lengthening, though this has not been independently verified. Libella Gene Therapeutics has offered offshore telomerase therapy, but no peer-reviewed human clinical trial data exists.
Indications
- Age-related telomere attrition
- Cellular senescence reduction
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (preclinical)
- Aplastic anemia / dyskeratosis congenita (theoretical)
- Longevity and healthspan extension (preclinical)
Mechanism of Action
AAV9 vector delivers hTERT transgene to target cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAV9-hTERT | 1 x 10^13 vg/kg | Single infusion | Preclinical dose extrapolated from murine studies |
Safety & Contraindications
- Theoretical oncogenic risk from telomerase reactivation in pre-malignant cells
- AAV vector immunogenicity and pre-existing neutralizing antibodies
- Dose-dependent hepatotoxicity observed with high-dose AAV in other gene therapies
- No controlled human clinical trial data available
- Regulatory status: not approved in any jurisdiction for anti-aging indications