Rankings / Longevity — Supplements
Yamanaka factors / partial reprogramming
Longevity · Epigenetic reprogramming
Tier D
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Yamanaka factors / partial reprogramming as D (3.1/10) based on preclinical evidence, variable benefit magnitude, and a med-high-risk safety profile.
Ocampo 2016 Cell and subsequent Belmonte work show rejuvenation of aged tissues in mice via cyclic OSK expression.
Typical use: No approved human protocol — Research only.
What this is
Ocampo 2016 Cell and subsequent Belmonte work show rejuvenation of aged tissues in mice via cyclic OSK expression. Altos Labs ($3B+ funding) actively developing clinical protocols. No approved human therapy yet. A 2026 preclinical meta-analysis (14 studies) found epigenetic-clock (DNAmAge) reversal was NOT associated with functional improvement — a caution that "epigenomic rejuvenation" does not automatically mean restored function.
Mechanism
Transient expression of OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, MYC (or OSK without MYC) resets epigenetic age markers without inducing pluripotency; research-stage approach to reverse cellular aging
Dose & route
No approved human protocol
Citations
- https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(16)31664-6
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-022-00280-2
- https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00180-w
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does Yamanaka factors / partial reprogramming work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Yamanaka factors / partial reprogramming as Preclinical and the benefit magnitude as variable, producing an overall grade of D (3.1/10). Ocampo 2016 Cell and subsequent Belmonte work show rejuvenation of aged tissues in mice via cyclic OSK expression.
- Is Yamanaka factors / partial reprogramming safe?
- Yamanaka factors / partial reprogramming has a med-high risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Research only. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Yamanaka factors / partial reprogramming?
- No approved human protocol
- How does Yamanaka factors / partial reprogramming work?
- Transient expression of OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, MYC (or OSK without MYC) resets epigenetic age markers without inducing pluripotency; research-stage approach to reverse cellular aging
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.