The solution behind Third Age Therapeutics.
Born during the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.
Our team, based at the University of York and in the NHS (Tees, Esk, and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation trust), wanted to do something to address an epidemic of loneliness and depression we all saw emerging among older people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The team delivered two entirely remote randomised controlled trials that tested the Third Age Therapeutics Solution. The trials, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, were a success and demonstrated clinical and cost effectiveness.
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— Age UK Leeds
— Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
— Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust
— Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
— Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
— Leicester Partnership Foundation Trust
— Llan Healthcare, Cardiff
— Norfolk Community Health and Care Trust
— Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
— Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
— The Good Practice, London
With the underpinning research complete, work continued to share findings and drive NHS implementation. But the team knew more was needed to support roll out. Third Age Therapeutics, a university spin-out company, was born.
The company launched in 2025 with some help from a number of key organisations along the way.
Future Founders Programme
Third Age Therapeutics was incubated in the Future Founders Programme hosted by Northern Accelerator. Northern Accelerator is an exciting collaboration between the North East’s universities, creating real-world impact from world-leading research, commercialising innovation and boosting the region’s economy.
The Propel@YH Digital Accelerator Programme
The company was part of the 2024 cohort of the Propel@YH Digital Accelerator Programme. The programme brings the best digital health innovations to market, with the Yorkshire and Humber region the first to make use of them.
