Shenzhen-based Lonvi Biosciences has introduced a capsule derived from grape seed extract that the company says could help humans live up to 150 years. The bold claim has stirred excitement and skepticism across the global scientific community.
“Living to 150 years is definitely realistic. In a few years, it will become a reality,” said Liu Qinghua, the company’s Chief Technology Officer, in a statement reported by RBC.
A “Holy Grail” for Aging Research
The capsule contains a concentrated form of procyanidin C1 (PCC1), a molecule isolated from grape seeds. Earlier research conducted in Shanghai linked PCC1 to longer survival in rodents. In Lonvi’s own laboratory studies, mice given the formulation lived 9.4% longer overall and 64.2% longer from the first day of treatment.
According to the company, the capsule works by targeting and destroying so-called “zombie cells” — aged cells that no longer divide but continue to trigger inflammation and damage surrounding tissues. Importantly, Lonvi says the compound spares healthy cells, promoting better cellular health over time.
“This is not just another pill. This is the Holy Grail,” said CEO Ip Zhu, as quoted by Diario Popular. The company claims that, when combined with healthy living and proper medical care, these capsules could help people live well past 100 — possibly up to 120 years.
Inside the Race for Longevity
Lonvi Biosciences opened its main research lab in 2022, soon after the Shanghai team’s groundbreaking study on PCC1. Zhu believes the field of geroscience — the study of aging — is evolving so rapidly that “it might at least be possible to postpone death.” He even suggested that “within five to ten years, no one will suffer from cancer.”
The Chinese government has made longevity research a national priority alongside artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Reports suggest that President Xi Jinping has expressed curiosity about the potential for humans to live to 150 years, while Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly discussed “immortality” through advanced organ transplants during a summit conversation with Xi — comments that CCTV allegedly asked to remove from public footage.
Growing Global Competition
Lonvi isn’t alone in the race to extend human life. Other private companies across China are pursuing similar ambitions.
- SuperiorMed, based in Chengdu, claims to operate the world’s largest longevity hospital, envisioning future “islands of immortality.”
- Rlab, a Shanghai-based startup, offers clients cryogenic chamber sessions at –129 °C to slow cellular deterioration.
- Time Pie, another Shanghai venture, focuses on making life-extension technologies accessible to the growing number of wealthy Chinese interested in prolonging life.
As Gan Yu, Time Pie’s co-founder, told Diario Popular: “Now many Chinese are interested and have the money needed to extend their lives.”
Hope and Skepticism
Lonvi Biosciences says its ultimate goal isn’t just adding years to human life but reducing age-related disease by improving health at the cellular level. The firm argues that by maintaining healthier cells, people could enjoy longer, disease-free lives.
However, experts caution that evidence in mice does not always translate to humans. While the results in animals appear promising, the company has not yet released peer-reviewed data from human trials. Until then, Lonvi’s vision of people living to 150 remains an ambitious — but unproven — dream.
Still, the announcement has fueled worldwide curiosity about the future of aging science, hinting that humanity’s centuries-long quest for longevity may be closer than ever before.