The science of ageing is an area of intense activity, offering the possibility of extending healthspan as well as lifespan. Saisei Pharma, a Japanese biotechnology company founded in 2014, is asking big questions about the potential of regenerative medicine. Here, Toshio Inui, CEO of Saisei Mirai Group, and a visiting professor at Kagoshima University in Kyushu, Japan, explains why recent advances in ageing research are so exciting.

Why is ageing research important?

Ageing is the single greatest common risk factor for many chronic diseases. As we age, our physical functions decline and we become more prone to develop age-related diseases, such as dementia, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes and impaired kidney function.