Groundbreaking InflammAge Biomarker Revolutionizes Non-Invasive Aging and Inflammation Assessment

Groundbreaking InflammAge Biomarker Revolutionizes Non-Invasive Aging and Inflammation Assessment

(IN BRIEF) A collaborative study led by Bayer and Hurdle, in partnership with top academic institutions including the University of Birmingham and the University of Edinburgh, has introduced and validated InflammAge—a novel, non-invasive saliva-based biomarker that quantifies systemic chronic inflammation, a key driver of aging and related diseases. Tested on over 18,000 individuals in the Generation Scotland cohort, InflammAge outperforms traditional markers like CRP in predicting long-term health risks and is strongly linked to lifestyle factors, offering promising applications for precision medicine and preventative healthcare.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON/BASEL, 13-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A groundbreaking study has introduced InflammAge, a novel saliva-based DNA methylation biomarker designed to quantify systemic chronic inflammation—a key factor in aging and related diseases. In a collaborative research effort, Bayer and Hurdle, along with scientists from the University of Birmingham, the University of Edinburgh, and other leading institutions, have validated this innovative approach that offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional blood or tissue tests.

The study, titled “A novel framework to build saliva-based DNA methylation biomarkers: Quantifying systemic chronic inflammation as a case study,” demonstrates that InflammAge not only effectively tracks the biological processes of aging but also correlates strongly with all-cause mortality, lifestyle factors, and the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Data from more than 18,000 participants in the Generation Scotland cohort revealed that InflammAge outperforms conventional blood markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting long-term health risks. Dr. Daniel Martin-Herranz, Chief Science Officer and Co-founder at Hurdle, explained that their AI-powered multi-omics platform has enabled the translation of complex biological data into actionable health insights, marking a paradigm shift in the measurement and understanding of chronic inflammation.

Veronika Óvári, Global Senior Medical Manager at Bayer’s Consumer Health division, expressed enthusiasm for the test’s potential to revolutionize self-care and preventative healthcare through its simple, at-home saliva sampling.

The research also highlights that lifestyle choices, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and dietary habits, significantly influence InflammAge, emphasizing the role of lifestyle modifications in managing chronic inflammation.

Commenting on the innovation, Professor Janet M Lord, FMedSci, CBE, noted that InflammAge is unique in linking inflammation—a hallmark of aging—to changes in biological age, thereby paving the way for targeted therapeutic interventions. Meanwhile, Professor Riccardo E. Marioni from the University of Edinburgh underscored the convenience of saliva-based testing for remote health monitoring, as it captures critical epigenetic information about inflammation.

This study not only advances precision medicine but also opens up new avenues for accessible, preventative health measures in an aging global population.

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2024, the Group employed around 93,000 people and had sales of 46.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

About Hurdle
Hurdle is pioneering the future of AI-enabled diagnostics, redefining how biomarkers and diagnostics are discovered, developed, and scaled. Our platform seamlessly integrates multi-modal data, AI-powered insights, and software-driven automation to accelerate innovation—delivering diagnostics 10x faster, more cost-effectively, and with unparalleled precision. With end-to-end capabilities spanning biomarker discovery, clinical validation, regulatory compliance, and global deployment, Hurdle empowers leading Pharma, Biotech, Healthcare, and Diagnostics companies. By simplifying complexity and standardizing infrastructure, Hurdle ensures that breakthrough diagnostics reach patients faster, transforming precision medicine at scale.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Media Contact:

Bayer:
Jeffrey Donald
phone +41 79 907 7111
Email: jeffrey.donald@bayer.com

Hurdle: press@hurdle.bio

SOURCE: Bayer