The battle over the ownership of the DNA of the Ogliastra centenarians, currently held by Tiziana Life, reaches the courtrooms. The Foundation for the Protection of the Ogliastra Identity and Barbagia di Seulo - in a press conference with the participation of the president Flavio Cabitza, the president of the World Longevity Community Roberto Pili, and the lawyer Lorenzo Marilotti - announced an appeal to the civil court of Cagliari to "obtain a definitive pronouncement on the ownership of the DNA and for its return to the citizens".

The goal is to "ensure that DNA is used responsibly and shared for scientific and humanitarian purposes." These actions "represent a crucial step to return to institutions and local communities control over a unique heritage, reaffirming the right to protect and enhance one's genetic identity," it was explained.

Ogliastra and Barbagia di Seulo «represent one of the cradles of world longevity, places where environment, genetics and lifestyle intertwine creating an extraordinary unicum. True natural laboratories where the possibility for humans to reach the extreme limits of life in conditions of functioning such as to be aware is witnessed».

In the scientific field, these individuals are defined as "escapers", a term that highlights how they "escape" the main chronic diseases that often affect the elderly population, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer or Alzheimer's.

«Despite the many years of "scientific standstill", it was underlined, «the information contained in the Ogliastra Genome Bank could give a significant boost to understanding the determinants that make the phenomenon of cognitive longevity, psychological resilience, exceptional resistance to disease possible, to identify new biomarkers of longevity or bioactive molecules and drugs with applications in cellular regeneration and in slowing down the involutionary processes of aging . Research that would contribute to the prevention and management of pathologies such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases , thus helping to improve the quality of life even in the most advanced age groups».