First Human Cellular Reprogramming Trial Cleared by FDA, GLP-1 Muscle Mass Loss, Older Americans Quitting Weight Loss Drugs 2-10-26
Our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club, Feb 10, 2026 episode discussed the FDA’s approval of a study on reprogramming genes to reverse eye damage in glaucoma patients using viruses carrying three reprogramming genes. The study aims to regenerate blood flow to the optic nerve.
Concerns were raised about muscle loss and functional strength reduction in GLP-1 drug users, with 47% of users discontinuing within a year due to side effects and cost. The Biden administration’s efforts to cap out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries were noted, but Medicare’s current regulations prohibit coverage for weight loss drugs.
Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist
MIT Technology Review 1-27-26 First Human Test of Rejuvenation Method Will Begin Shortly by Antonio Regalado
https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/01/27/1131796/the-first-human-test-of-a-rejuvenation-method-will-begin-shortly/
Lifespan Research Institute 2-6-26 First Human Cellular Reprogramming Trial Cleared by the FDA by Arkadi Mazin
https://lifespan.io/news/first-human-cellular-reprogramming-trial-cleared-by-the-fda/
We referred to “pluripotency” and defined it.
We mentioned Shinya Yamanaka and the “Yamanaka Factors.”
Presented by Ray Gordon, Architect, Urban Planner, Futurist and Former Pratt Institute Grad School Professor
Vox 12-3-25 GLP-1 and Muscle Mass Loss by Dylan Scott
https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/469742/ozempic-wegovy-zepbound-mounjaro-weight-loss-side-effects-muscle
Apple access: https://apple.news/AMGI3ozp8S923OYsSAf1p_A
Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan
NY Times 12-21-26 Older Americans Quit Weight-Loss Drugs in Droves by Paula Span
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/health/older-people-glp1-weight.html
Linda referred to Benjamin’s excellent 2-4-26 article with Joe & Bella
https://joeandbella.com/blogs/news/rethinking-care-what-makes-life-worth-living-as-we-age-part-i
Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon
====
PLEASE FOLLOW our 2 podcasts. This and Rethinking Aging Club Podcast. Our News for the Ages podcasts are usually published weekly within a few days after they are recorded.
This helps our podcasts be found by others to gain more advocacy and investment supporting our aging population and those who care for them.
We continue to record new News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live.
Our Asia Pacific friendly schedule for our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club live podcast episode recordings:
6-7pm ET Tuesday (8am JST/KST; 7am SGT)
UK – 11pm GMT
====
Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
