China Launches Major Consortium to Accelerate Aging Research

Appeared in Nature Medicine as a Correspondence on July 19, 2023, China launched a new consortium to boost aging research (doi: 10.1038/s41591-023-02444-y).Named the Aging Biomarker Consortium(ABC), it brings together over 90 leading Chinese scientists across disciplines to identify biomarkers of aging and develop standards for their measurement.

Biomarkers indicate biological aging and predict disease risks.However, current ones often lack specificity and systemic representation.The ABC will use multiomics and AI to comprehensively analyze biomarkers in diverse populations.This big data approach can identify accurate biomarker panels reflecting biological age.Partnerships with global consortia are planned to build an international framework.The ABC also addresses ethical concerns like animal welfare and privacy in aging research.

Mission and roadmap of the Aging Biomarker Consortium.(Credit:Nature Medicine)

With China’s rapidly aging population, the ABC’s aging biomarker initiatives and collaborative model could accelerate healthy aging solutions.The open consortium represents an exciting new era for aging research in China.