Coming soon: 'A magic pill to help people live beyond 100'

An international team is working on the miracle pill after the scientists have identified genes that extend life and prevent diseases including Alzheimer's, diabetes and even cancer, the 'Daily Express' reported.

Professor Nir Barzilai, one of the world's leading researchers into the ageing process, told experts at London's Royal Society that the "magic pill" could be on sale in 18 months.
One key factor seen in people who reach 100 is high levels of the "good" cholesterol HDL.
Prof Barzilai at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that centenarians who had this were protected against Alzheimer's.

"Global pharmaceutical companies Merck and Roche are developing a drug which will promote the increase in HDL," he was quoted as saying.
The pill would be taken in your 40s or 50s.

He added: "There will be issues, such as pensions and social security, but from a medical perspective it's better to stay healthy."