Fisetin for Presbylung

(OLD AIR Trial)

This trial explores how a compound called fisetin might improve lung function in older adults. Researchers aim to determine if fisetin, believed to remove damaged cells, can ease breathing for long-term smokers and non-smokers alike. Participants will receive either fisetin or a placebo and will take the treatment on specific days. Those aged 60 or older, who have smoked for at least 10 years or have never smoked, might qualify if they meet other health criteria. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on assessing fisetin's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.

Research has shown that fisetin, a natural compound found in fruits like strawberries and apples, has been tested in humans. These studies suggest that fisetin is generally safe and well-tolerated, as it did not cause serious side effects in participants.

In the current trial, participants take fisetin for only a couple of days at a time, a method known as "hit-and-run" dosing. This approach aims to lower the risk of side effects while still seeking benefits like improved lung function and reduced signs of cellular aging.

Unlike other treatments for age-related lung function decline, or "presbylung," which usually focus on symptom management or lung rehabilitation, fisetin offers a fresh approach. Fisetin is unique because it targets senescent cells—those cells that have stopped dividing but don’t die off, often contributing to aging and disease. This "senolytic" action is like a clean-up crew for your body, potentially rejuvenating lung tissue. Researchers are excited because fisetin's "hit-and-run" dosing strategy could provide benefits quickly, possibly within days, without the need for continuous medication.

This trial will compare the effects of fisetin with a placebo in participants. Studies have shown that fisetin can reduce the number of senescent cells, which are cells that have stopped dividing and can contribute to aging and disease. Research in mice suggests that fisetin improves physical function, indicating it might help with age-related issues. Regarding lung health, fisetin may block pathways that lead to inflammation, which is important because inflammation can worsen lung problems. These findings suggest that fisetin could help improve lung function and reduce age-related lung decline. However, much of this evidence comes from animal studies, so more research is needed to determine if these results apply to humans.¹²⁵⁶⁷