The PROactive Solutions for Prolonging Resilience (PROSPR) program, initiated by ARPA-H, is designed to address the growing disparity between lifespan and healthspan in the U.S. While Americans are living longer, the time spent in good health without chronic conditions or disabilities has not increased proportionally. Currently, 80% of adults over 65 have at least one chronic condition, and 30% are classified as “pre-frail,” a state associated with higher mortality risk. Age-related symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive decline, pain, and sensory impairments have limited treatment options, and with an aging population, healthcare costs are expected to surge.

PROSPR aims to transform the understanding and treatment of aging by identifying biochemical and physiological markers associated with age-related diseases. The program will develop innovative assessment tools and accelerate clinical trial protocols to assess these markers and health outcomes within three years, rather than the decades typically required for aging studies. This rapid approach seeks to pave the way for therapies that maintain resilience and health throughout aging, fostering a new therapeutic industry focused on extending healthspan.

The program will emphasize in-home data collection, enabling researchers to gather insights on aging in real-world settings. PROSPR also aims to streamline and standardize protocols to advance the study of age-associated health outcomes quickly and efficiently. By focusing on the underlying causes of age-related diseases, the program hopes to produce interventions that address conditions before they become debilitating.

Participation in PROSPR requires interdisciplinary collaboration, and ARPA-H encourages teaming among experts from diverse fields to meet the program’s ambitious goals. A hybrid Proposers’ Day is scheduled for January 24, 2025, in Dallas, TX, where potential participants can learn about the program’s objectives and requirements. A teaming page has been created to help prospective participants network and form collaborative teams. Solution summaries must be submitted by February 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET.

This program exemplifies ARPA-H's commitment to bold, high-risk research that addresses significant public health challenges. By accelerating the development of therapies aimed at preventing age-related diseases, PROSPR seeks to improve quality of life for aging Americans, reduce healthcare costs, and redefine how society approaches the aging process. With its focus on resilience and proactive intervention, PROSPR has the potential to significantly extend healthspan and transform aging-related healthcare.