August 5, 2024 WASHINGTON, DC — The Alliance for Longevity Initiatives (A4LI) is proposing a new National Institute for Longevity and Aging Research (NILAR) in response to the recent NIH reform proposed by House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Chair Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-WA).
While this new NIH framework aims to enhance clarity, transparency, oversight, and reduce redundancy within the institute, the intent to shift the focus of the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to the National Institute on Dementia greatly affects our current progress in geroscience and longevity research. After six focus group sessions with their strategic partners in both academia and industry, A4LI drafted a well-thought out proposal to enhance the existing NIA, which will be submitted by the stakeholders feedback deadline on August 16, 2024.
With the rise of older adults of 60 years and older living with at least one or more chronic illness, it becomes increasingly imperative to be motivated by aging biology research and to expand on what the NIA has accomplished in the last 50 years. NILAR’s ultimate goal is to advance geroscience and longevity research and support the development of groundbreaking therapeutics that prevent multiple age-related conditions while emphasizing accountability and innovation within the institute.
With Congress prioritizing NIH reformation to better serve the needs of Americans, A4LI’s proposal of NILAR will strive to innovate research tools and develop therapies that prevent chronic illnesses and the cause of multimorbidity in older adults. While A4LI recognizes that an optimal outcome might involve the Energy and Commerce Committee not altering the NIA at all, this proposal may also serve as a blueprint for a new institute or as recommendations for enhancing the existing NIA.
Please sign to demonstrate your support for NILAR. If you have feedback that will strengthen this proposal, please reach out to Dylan or Brenda.
About the Alliance for Longevity Initiatives (A4LI)
The Alliance for Longevity Initiatives (A4LI) is an independent 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization committed to advancing legislation and policies that promote healthy human lifespan. With a focus on equitable access to next-generation therapies, A4LI brings together scientists, policymakers, and influencers to drive collaboration and innovation in the longevity biotech industry.
Disclaimer
Keith Comito serves both on the Lifespan.io and A4LI board of directors.