The article, published in 2022 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), was retracted on August 13, 2025, following an investigation by Rutgers University, where several co-authors are based. Titled “Cytomegalovirus as a vector for anti-aging gene therapy,” the study proposed using cytomegalovirus (CMV) to deliver monthly gene therapies to combat aging-related decline. It involved Church, a Harvard and MIT professor, as an adviser to BioViva, a longevity biotech, alongside co-authors including BioViva’s CEO Elizabeth Parrish.
The retraction, reported by Retraction Watch, stemmed from issues with data integrity and methodology. Rutgers’ review found problems with raw datasets, inadequate backups, and questionable figures described as possibly accidental errors. The evidence supporting the study’s claims was deemed insufficient. Church, who suggested using CMV as a vector and reviewed the study design, told Retraction Watch he was “on the fence” about the retraction, citing “weak” evidence for both retraction and the original findings. He suggested sloppiness, not misconduct, as the cause and noted the core conclusions remained intact. All authors agreed to the retraction.
The paper, cited 41 times, had drawn scrutiny for its bold claims and BioViva’s controversial unapproved human trials. Critics questioned CMV’s suitability due to its immune suppression risks. This marks a rare blemish for Church, who has authored over 700 papers and co-founded 50+ biotech firms. His work spans DNA sequencing, de-extinction, and anti-aging therapies. The incident highlights the need for rigorous data standards in synthetic biology, especially in high-stakes fields like longevity research. Despite this, Church’s legacy as a genomics pioneer remains formidable, with ongoing contributions to gene editing and biomanufacturing.
