Anti-ageing drugs could make more organs viable for transplants

Drugs that clear away worn-out cells may improve the success of transplanted organs from older donors, according to research in mice.

As we get older, some cells stop dividing, but linger instead of dying off. These so-called senescent cells accumulate in our organs, releasing chemicals that can trigger inflammation and promote disease.

When an organ from an older donor is transplanted into a younger person, senescent cells in the transplanted organ can activate senescence in the recipient’s own cells. This “transfer” of ageing can worsen …