Healthy AgingABIOSNCT06555978
Ageing BIOmarker Study in Singaporeans
An observational study of Healthy Aging and Biological Aging, run by National University of Singapore at 1 site in Singapore.
Trial summary
The Ageing BIOmarker Study in Singaporeans (ABIOS) aims to understand the biological aging processes and how they affect health among people in Singapore. As people grow older, their risk of developing chronic diseases increases. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 21 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Aging, Biological Aging, Lifestyle Factors
- How many people
- 378 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSingapore
- Study dates
- 12 Mar 2021to 31 Dec 2028
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 21 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Adults 21 years of age or greater who has lived in Singapore for at least 5 consecutive years and is of Chinese, Malay, or Indian ethnicity
Who may be able to join
- ≥21 years of age
- Chinese, Malay, or Indian and has lived in Singapore for at least 5 consecutive years
- Apparently healthy and non-smokers
- Having only 1 condition (if ≥45 and <65 years) or any condition (if ≥65 years), and all conditions were medication-controlled (if any):
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia
Show all 10Show fewer
- Hyperglycemia
- Osteopenia/osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Type 2 diabetes
Who cannot join
- Body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m^2
- Pre-existing or history of major cardiovascular disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, peripheral vascular disease)
- Any metal implants (excluding dental implants) in the body
- Pre-existing or history of cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pregnant women or planning pregnancy in the next 6-12 months
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Singapore1 site
Centre for Healthy Longevity at Alexandra Hospital
Singapore, 159964
About this study
Official title: Ageing BIOmarker Study in Singaporeans (ABIOS)
The Ageing BIOmarker Study in Singaporeans (ABIOS) aims to understand the biological aging processes and how they affect health among people in Singapore. As people grow older, their risk of developing chronic diseases increases. This study aims to better understand the biological changes that come with age, particularly in three major ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay, and Indian adults over 21 years old. By examining a range of health indicators such as DNA methylation, inflammation, metabolism, cardiovascular health, physical function, and physical activity (i.e., molecular, physiological, and digital biomarkers of ageing), the study seeks to identify how ethnicity, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors influence ageing. This unique study focuses on an all-Asian population, aiming to enhance our understanding of healthy aging across different ethnic groups.
Read the detailed description
Biological ageing is the primary driver of age-associated chronic diseases in older adults. Asian populations have been underrepresented in studies developing biological age predictors and understanding age-related diseases. Thus, the Ageing BIOmarker Study in Singaporeans (ABIOS) aims to characterise the biomarkers of ageing in Singaporeans, exploring associations between molecular, physiological, and digital biomarkers of ageing.
This is a single-centre, cross-sectional study that recruits healthy community-dwelling adults (≥ 21 years) from three different ethnic groups (Chinese, Malay, and Indian). Molecular biomarkers of ageing include a multi-omics approach, such as DNA methylation and metabolic and inflammatory parameters in blood, saliva, and stool. Physiological biomarkers of ageing include bone density, body composition, skin autofluorescence, arterial stiffness, physical performance (e.g., muscle strength and flexibility), cognition, and nutritional status. Digital biomarkers of ageing include three-dimensional facial morphology and objective physical activity. Additional factors such as habitual physical activity, dietary patterns, and medical history are also examined. The associations between the molecular, physiological, and digital phenotypes will be explored.
By examining diverse age-related biomarkers, clinical indicators, and lifestyle factors, ABIOS will offer unique insights into the ageing process within these ethnic groups to develop health policies and interventions for promoting healthy ageing in an all-Asian population.
- Conditions
- Healthy Aging, Biological Aging, Lifestyle Factors
- Keywords
- Aging, Biological Clocks, DNA methylation, Geroscience, Lifestyle
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Singaporean adults | Adults greater than 21 years of age living in Singapore of Chinese, Malay, or Indian ethnicity. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
blood DNA methylation
DNA methylation ageing clock, years
Measured: Baseline
Secondary outcomes (18)
Carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity
Arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave velocity, m/s
Measured: Baseline
Handgrip strength
Handgrip strength measured by dynamometer, kg
Measured: Baseline
8-repetition maximal strength
Lower body strength measured by maximum weight for 8 leg extension repetitions, kg
Measured: Baseline
Skin advanced glycation endproducts
Skin advanced glycation endproducts measured by autofluorescence
Measured: Baseline
Objective physical activity
Objective physical activity measured by an activity tracking monitor
Measured: Baseline
Facial age
Facial ageing clock based on 3D face morphometry, years
Measured: Baseline
Complete red blood cell (RBC) count
Clinical blood parameters, RBC x 10^12/L
Measured: Baseline
Total white blood cell (WBC) count
Clinical blood parameters, WBC x 10^9/L
Measured: Baseline
Total cholesterol
Lipid profile panel, mmol/L
Measured: Baseline
HDL cholesterol
Lipid profile panel, mmol/L
Measured: Baseline
LDL cholesterol
Lipid profile panel, mmol/L
Measured: Baseline
Triglycerides
Lipid profile panel, mmol/L
Measured: Baseline
Fasting blood glucose
Clinical blood parameters, mmol/L
Measured: Baseline
Total protein
Liver profile panel, mmol/L
Measured: Baseline
Total bilirubin
Liver profile panel, umol/L
Measured: Baseline
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Clinical blood parameters, U/L
Measured: Baseline
Insulin
Clinical blood parameters, Roche immunoassay, mU/L
Measured: Baseline
HbA1c
Clinical blood parameters, %
Measured: Baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Aug 2024
- Study start12 Mar 2021
- Primary completion4 Jul 2024
- Study completion31 Dec 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Healthy AgingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 378 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National University of Singapore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Andrea Maier, National University of Singapore
- Investigators
- Andrea Maier, MD, PhD, Principal investigator, National University of Singapore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06555978
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- NHG-DSRB-2019-00388
- Acronym
- ABIOS
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Aug 2024
- Last updated
- 1 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 1 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Ageing BIOmarker Study in Singaporeans (ABIOS)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06555978
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ABIOS / NHG-DSRB-2019-00388
- Conditions
- Healthy Aging, Biological Aging, Lifestyle Factors
- Keywords
- Aging, Biological Clocks, DNA methylation, Geroscience, Lifestyle
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 378 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- National University of SingaporeUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 12 Mar 2021 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 4 Jul 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 15 Aug 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The Ageing BIOmarker Study in Singaporeans (ABIOS) aims to understand the biological aging processes and how they affect health among people in Singapore. As people grow older, their risk of developing chronic diseases increases. This study aims to better understand the biological changes that come with age, particularly in three major ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay, and Indian adults over 21 years old. By examining a range of health indicators such as DNA methylation, inflammation, metabolism, cardiovascular health, physical function, and physical activity (i.e., molecular, physiological, and digital biomarkers of ageing), the study seeks to identify how ethnicity, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors influence ageing. This unique study focuses on an all-Asian population, aiming to enhance our understanding of healthy aging across different ethnic groups.
Detailed description
Biological ageing is the primary driver of age-associated chronic diseases in older adults. Asian populations have been underrepresented in studies developing biological age predictors and understanding age-related diseases. Thus, the Ageing BIOmarker Study in Singaporeans (ABIOS) aims to characterise the biomarkers of ageing in Singaporeans, exploring associations between molecular, physiological, and digital biomarkers of ageing.
This is a single-centre, cross-sectional study that recruits healthy community-dwelling adults (≥ 21 years) from three different ethnic groups (Chinese, Malay, and Indian). Molecular biomarkers of ageing include a multi-omics approach, such as DNA methylation and metabolic and inflammatory parameters in blood, saliva, and stool. Physiological biomarkers of ageing include bone density, body composition, skin autofluorescence, arterial stiffness, physical performance (e.g., muscle strength and flexibility), cognition, and nutritional status. Digital biomarkers of ageing include three-dimensional facial morphology and objective physical activity. Additional factors such as habitual physical activity, dietary patterns, and medical history are also examined. The associations between the molecular, physiological, and digital phenotypes will be explored.
By examining diverse age-related biomarkers, clinical indicators, and lifestyle factors, ABIOS will offer unique insights into the ageing process within these ethnic groups to develop health policies and interventions for promoting healthy ageing in an all-Asian population.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Singaporean adults | – | –Adults greater than 21 years of age living in Singapore of Chinese, Malay, or Indian ethnicity. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 21 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Adults 21 years of age or greater who has lived in Singapore for at least 5 consecutive years and is of Chinese, Malay, or Indian ethnicity
Key inclusion criteria (10 listed)
- ≥21 years of age
- Chinese, Malay, or Indian and has lived in Singapore for at least 5 consecutive years
- Apparently healthy and non-smokers
- Having only 1 condition (if ≥45 and <65 years) or any condition (if ≥65 years), and all conditions were medication-controlled (if any):
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m^2
- Pre-existing or history of major cardiovascular disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, peripheral vascular disease)
- Any metal implants (excluding dental implants) in the body
- Pre-existing or history of cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pregnant women or planning pregnancy in the next 6-12 months
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
blood DNA methylation
Time frame: Baseline
DNA methylation ageing clock, years
18 secondary outcomes
Carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity
Time frame: Baseline
Handgrip strength
Time frame: Baseline
8-repetition maximal strength
Time frame: Baseline
Skin advanced glycation endproducts
Time frame: Baseline
Objective physical activity
Time frame: Baseline
Facial age
Time frame: Baseline
Complete red blood cell (RBC) count
Time frame: Baseline
Total white blood cell (WBC) count
Time frame: Baseline
Total cholesterol
Time frame: Baseline
HDL cholesterol
Time frame: Baseline
LDL cholesterol
Time frame: Baseline
Triglycerides
Time frame: Baseline
Fasting blood glucose
Time frame: Baseline
Total protein
Time frame: Baseline
Total bilirubin
Time frame: Baseline
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Time frame: Baseline
Insulin
Time frame: Baseline
HbA1c
Time frame: Baseline
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 1 Jun 2026.
Related trials for Healthy Aging
Active, not recruiting
Emotional Well-being and Measures of Healthy Aging
Aging, Aging, Healthy
Active, not recruiting
Vascular Aging and Lp299v Study in Healthy Adults
Vascular Aging
Recruiting
Polypharmacy on Healthy Aging in People Living With HIV Over the Age of 75
Virus-HIV
Active, not recruitingObservational study
Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity Across the Life Span (HANDLS)
Diabetes, Cerebrovascular Disease
RecruitingObservational study
Genetic and Epigenetic Signatures of Translational Aging Laboratory Testing (GESTALT)
Healthy Volunteers, Non-Healthy/Non-Frail
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Andrea Maier, MD, PhD principal investigator
National University of Singapore
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Healthy Aging and Biological Aging, run by National University of Singapore at 1 site in Singapore.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 10 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Singapore. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
blood DNA methylation (time frame: Baseline). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 1 Jun 2026.