Elixir Versus Sirtris
Reading between the lines of a recent press release, Elixir Pharmaceuticals is positioning for competition with startup Sirtris Pharmaceuticals. Both companies are aiming at new therapies based on an understanding of the biochemistry and genetics of calorie restriction: "Sirtuins are related to Sir2, a gene identified in yeast that is conserved across species and implicated in the control of lifespan, metabolism, resistance to stress and other cellular regulatory pathways. Modulators of this enzyme class may provide important therapeutic agents for metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, as well as HIV and cancer. ... Elixir has a comprehensive patent estate related to the sirtuins, including novel compositions and their potential application to disease treatment and longevity."