Innovative Blood-Based Epigenetic Clock Measures Intrinsic Capacity to Assess Aging

Researchers from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and collaborating European institutions have introduced a groundbreaking biological age 'clock' that evaluates how well individuals are aging, emphasizing functional capacity over chronological age. Named the IC Clock, this tool measures intrinsic capacity (IC)—which encompasses six key functions crucial for healthy aging: mobility, cognitive health, mental well-being, vision, hearing, and nutrition/vitality. Unlike traditional aging indicators, the IC Clock focuses on the core biological processes that determine resilience and functional health.

The concept of intrinsic capacity was defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022 as a vital aspect of aging, recognizing its decline as a significant health marker. The development of the IC Clock involved international collaboration between the Buck Institute, IHU HealthAge in France, INSERM, and Université de Montpellier, reflecting growing synergy in aging science between the U.S. and Europe.

The clock was created using data from the INSPIRE-T cohort, comprising approximately 1,000 individuals aged 20 to 102, monitored over four years. It incorporates physical and cognitive function assessments, lifestyle data, and biological samples such as blood, urine, saliva, and dental plaque collected yearly. By analyzing DNA methylation patterns in blood or saliva—a molecular signal associated with aging—the IC Clock offers a noninvasive measure of biological aging.

Validation studies used data from the Framingham Heart Study and showed that the IC Clock surpasses previous aging clocks in predicting overall mortality. Higher IC Clock scores correlate with better immune function, lower inflammation, and healthier lifestyle choices, indicating it captures fundamental aspects of aging biology. Efforts are underway to develop dried blood spot testing to simplify sample collection, making the tool accessible worldwide, including resource-limited regions.

This innovative approach holds promise for personalized aging assessments and could inform interventions aimed at extending healthspan. Furman suggests that the IC Clock might help regulatory agencies like the FDA in classifying aging as a treatable condition and approving related therapies. Additionally, it is poised to play a role in the XPRIZE Healthspan competition, where teams develop strategies to significantly restore age-related functional decline.

Overall, the IC Clock represents a significant advance in understanding and measuring biological aging, potentially transforming how clinicians and researchers approach health and longevity.