New Initiative Aims to Extend American Healthspan Through Innovative Therapies

The PROSPR (PROactive Solutions for Prolonging Resilience) program has been launched by the US government with a mission to develop therapies that will help extend the healthspan of Americans—essentially the duration of life free from age-related diseases.

This initiative is a collaborative effort by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), aiming to investigate innovative methods for detecting and managing negative impacts of aging, including cognitive decline, hearing loss, and sarcopenia.

The Goal of PROSPR

The main aim of the PROSPR initiative is to enhance the number of years that older adults can live independently and healthily by delaying frailty and disabilities, thereby improving the quality of life in their later years.

According to a recent press release, funding will be available to researchers keen to address the challenges associated with extending both life and healthspan for American seniors.

‘The ultimate goal is to extend healthspan—meaning the number of years aging adults live healthy lives,’ says Andrew Brack, PhD, Program Manager for PROSPR.

Economic Implications

Not only does PROSPR hope to enhance the health of Americans, but it also aspires to positively influence the economy. Currently, around 18% of the US population is over 65, projected to increase to 23% by 2054. Increased aging populations put pressure on healthcare costs, with potential increases of 75% if no action is taken.

By improving healthspan, fewer elderly individuals will require extensive care, thereby reducing healthcare costs and allowing family members to remain in the workforce.

The Role of Research and Collaboration

The initiative marks a shift in how the scientific community approaches the study of healthy aging. Dr. Renee Wegrzyn, Ph.D., Director of ARPA-H, emphasized the need for innovative research strategies to address various aspects of age-related decline. Scientists will focus on identifying early markers of aging to create therapies that target the root causes of health deterioration.

PROSPR will seek proposals from a range of stakeholders, including clinical trialists, biomarker researchers, and technology developers. Successful proposals will receive funding contingent on their quality and alignment with the program’s objectives.

Conclusion

The PROSPR initiative stands as a significant effort to redefine approaches to aging and health, encouraging a culture of innovation in the field. Interested parties are invited to submit proposals for research and innovation that aligns with the goals of this transformative program.

For more information on how to apply, visit the PROSPR/ARPA-H website.