David Sinclair plans oral rejuvenation drug test in $101M XPrize

David Sinclair, the outspoken Harvard longevity scientist, has revealed plans to enter the $101 million XPrize Healthspan Competition with an oral drug candidate called SL-100. The goal is to demonstrate whole-body age reversal — specifically, a 10-year relative improvement in immune, cognitive, and muscle function after one year of treatment. Sinclair’s team will rely on chemical reprogramming, using a cocktail of drugs to mimic the effects of embryonic genes that can reset epigenetic marks on DNA. Unlike his company Life Biosciences’ current gene therapy, which is limited to eye conditions, this oral approach could theoretically rejuvenate the entire body. Sinclair confirmed the plan in a phone interview, stating that extensive animal studies are underway and that he is “looking to compete in the XPrize.” James Clement of Betterhumans is already running clinical trials of an oral reprogramming cocktail for Sinclair’s team.

However, the approach faces significant skepticism. Experts like Sergiy Velychko of Soxogen caution that the chemicals used for reprogramming are typically applied in extremely high concentrations and are harsh on cells. Sinclair declined to disclose the exact formula of SL-100, citing confidentiality, but has previously published research on “epigenetic age-reversal cocktails” mixing powerful chemicals with known supplements and approved drugs. The XPrize competition, funded by Saudi Arabia’s Hevolution Foundation and led by Jamie Justice, will select 10 finalists from 65 teams. Sinclair’s team entered late but must begin human trials this year. If successful, the trial could mark a major milestone in accessible, whole-body rejuvenation medicine.