The Sirio Institute for Anti-Ageing (SIA), guided by Dr. Yu-Xuan Lyu from the Southern University of Science and Technology (Shenzhen, China), will focus on four core areas: cellular health, probiotics and gut health, muscle health and reproductive health.
“Research in these areas is designed to identify and validate bioactive compounds that can effectively target the biological mechanisms underlying these processes,” Dr. Lyu told NutraIngredients.
“By exploring how cellular resilience can be improved, how gut health can influence systemic inflammation and how nutrient formulations can prevent sarcopenia and hormonal imbalances, the Institute aims to develop cutting-edge nutraceutical solutions with clinically proven efficacy.”
Identifying a gap in the market
These four key areas play a pivotal role in modulating the aging process, with each possessing the ability to not only enhance longevity but also overall health span, according to Dr. Lyu.
“Cellular health is central to longevity as it impacts mitochondrial function, oxidative stress and inflammation [which are] key drivers of aging,” he said. “Probiotics and gut health have emerged as critical modulators of the gut microbiome, which has been linked to immunity, metabolic health and longevity.
“Muscle health is a priority due to the growing prevalence of sarcopenia, which affects quality of life and mobility in older adults. And finally, reproductive system health, with a particular focus on mitigating ovarian functional decline, is vital for addressing the complex hormonal changes that occur during aging.”
While research in each of these areas is booming, there is a “critical gap in the market” for anti-aging solutions that are scientifically validated, according to Dr. Youyou Zhao, Sirio’s assistant vice president, global head of research and development, and chief scientist.
“Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of preventive health strategies and are seeking products backed by robust scientific and clinical evidence,” she told NutraIngredients. “This shift in consumer preferences has been driven by a desire to maintain vitality and extend health span, with a growing emphasis on products targeting cellular health, gut microbiome balance and musculoskeletal support.”
Dr. Zhao says the establishment of the SIA is therefore a direct response to the demand for rigorously researched, high-efficacy, anti-aging formulations.
Ensuring people live longer, healthier lives
With manufacturing sites in Europe, the United States and Asia, Dr. Zhao expects the SIA to have a “significant impact” on the global nutraceutical market but particularly within Europe where a rapidly aging population is driving demand for longevity-focused solutions.
In a crowded market, Sirio plans to stand out with solutions that go beyond delaying the surface-level, visible effects of aging, Dr. Zhao said.
“As the European market continues to shift toward evidence-based nutraceuticals, SIA’s work will enable Sirio’s partners to gain a competitive edge by offering products that combine best-in-class organoleptic properties with scientifically validated efficacy,” she explained.
In doing so, Sirio aims to develop nutraceuticals that identify and modulate the fundamental mechanisms of aging, enabling people to enjoy longer, healthier lives.
