ASPET’s Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics is planning a new special collection titled “Advancing Pharmacotherapy for Age-Related Diseases: Bridging Treatment Gaps and Innovations for the Aging Population.”

As our population continues to age, there is an urgent imperative to uncover novel molecular targets or pathways pivotal in age-related diseases. Such insights are vital to fuel innovative drug discovery approaches aimed at addressing the specific needs of the elderly. This special collection invites original research articles focused on the identification of novel molecular targets or pathways in age-related diseases. We particularly welcome manuscripts leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to pinpoint potential targets for drug development. Additionally, we encourage submissions detailing innovative drug discovery methodologies such as computational modeling, virtual screening, and high-throughput screening to unearth lead compounds with therapeutic promise. Embracing emerging modalities like gene therapy and RNA-based therapeutics are also highly encouraged, as are studies elucidating pharmacological strategies including, but not limited to, senolytics, exercise mimetics, and drug-repurposing approaches to prolong healthy longevity or tailored to specific age-related diseases. Manuscripts reporting rigorously conducted experiments using animal models closely mirroring human aging and disease progression will receive special consideration.

Our special collection invites original research articles that aim to investigate mechanisms of age-related diseases with a focus on potential for development or implementation of new therapeutic strategies. Manuscripts focusing on conditions that may lead to accelerated aging phenotypes, with appropriate physiological and/or molecular methodologies, are encouraged. We will also consider submissions of randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials. Phase 1 clinical trials focusing on dose-dependent responses in aging and age-related diseases will also be considered. However, Meta-analyses and case reports will NOT be considered for this special collection.

Article proposals, including the title, abstract, significance statement, and full author information, should be submitted to JPET@aspet.org. Special collection guest editors Drs. Yagna Jarajapu and Andriy Yabluchanskiy will review the proposals for approval and respond to the authors with comments and suggestions before submission of the full article. All submissions must follow the journal’s Guide for Authors. The submission deadline is May 1, 2025.