De Jesus BB, Schneeberg K, Vera E, Tegla A, Halley CB, Blasco MA. Aging Cell. 2011 Aug;10(4):604-621.This

animal study looked at the effects of TA-65 and confirmed their mechanism of action, long-term effects, and safety.

Study Model: To confirm the mechanism of action (via telomerase activation), mice haploinsufficient for the telomerase RNA Terc gene (Terc -/+) were treated, as well as mice bred to be telomerase deficient (Terc -/-). Both groups were shown to have very short telomeres at the start of the study. It was proposed that if the mechanism of action was indeed activation of telomerase, then only the group with a functional Terc gene would respond to treatment; the telomerase deficient group should have no effect.

This study tracked telomere length and other health indicators in both the treated and control groups. No adverse events were observed.

Findings, Method of Action: A significant effect was observed in the Terc +/- group, while no effect was observed in the Terc -/- group, indicating that TA-65 does act through the telomerase activation pathway.

Study Results, Health Effects: In mice with telomerase activity, TA-65 reduced the proportion of short telomeres and reduced the incidence of DNA damage that is typically associated with a high proportion of short telomeres. TA-65 appeared to show a "preference" for activating telomerase in cells with the shortest telomeres, as indicated by a significant reduction in very short telomeres. This overall support for overall health at the cellular DNA level helps explain other key findings. TA-65 was found to affect several biomarkers. Notably, in the telomerase-proficient TA-65-treated group, the researchers demonstrated significant support for:

• Decrease in the percentage of short telomeres

• A low incidence of DNA damage is usually associated with a high proportion of short telomeres

• Overall enhanced health and longevity

• Healthy glucose metabolism

• Proper liver health and function

• Healthy hair regrowth

• Healthy blood profile

TA-65 did not affect the mean or maximum lifespan of the telomerase proficiency treatment group, but it did significantly affect functional healthspan.

Study results, safety: No adverse events were found, and TA-65 did not cause any uncontrolled cell growth. This supports TA-65's previously mentioned safe, transient effects on telomerase activation in healthy cells.