Could rosemary hold the key to a much longer and healthier life? Researchers of the
Sapienza University of Rome have discovered that the herb forms a part of the diet of
almost all inhabitants of Acciaroli. More than one in ten of the people living in this small
village near the south point of Italy is over 100 years old. Acciaroli is not the only place
where the number of centenarians is steadily increasing. Currently there are about
90.000 Europeans over the age of 100, up from less than 60.000 in 2006.1
Personal medicines
‘We increasingly understand which factors contribute to aging’, says Marie-Laure Schaufelberger, Product Specialist for the Pictet-Biotech fund. ‘This is due to the enormous progress made in mapping our DNA. It took 15 years and $3 billion to decipher the first human DNA. Today DNA-related research costs have come down to about $1.000 and the research itself can be completed within a couple of days.2 This gives biotech companies the opportunity to develop bespoke, unique medicines on the basis of human being’s unique gene structure. It also opens the door to a much more sophisticated approach in addressing diseases, including currently fatal ones.’
Fending off the effects of aging
In addition to preventing premature death, better understanding of genetics also plays a decisive role in fending off the effects of aging. Several studies suggest that when it comes to slowing down the effects of old age, the possibilities are much bigger than one might think. For example, the health and life span of mice can be improved by up to 40% if they are treated with the common diabetic drug metformin.3 Additional research suggests that the same drug can already extend human life by three years.4 These are promising first steps indicating that aging is not beyond our control.
Sign of the times
The progress made in the field of genetics is a sign of the eras, according to Schaufelberger: ‘The twentieth century was in many aspects a physical century. Great progress was made in the field of infrastructure and logistics. We even managed to put a man on the moon. Now, we have entered the biological century. The insights we are currently gaining are only the beginning. Just consider what we can learn from the genetic composition of the bowhead whale. Off the coast of Greenland, specimens were found that are estimated to be 211 years old. The expectation that men will reach the same age requires little imagination.’
Important legal information
The Pre-Contractual Templates (PCT) when applicable, the Key Information Document (KID), as well as the Prospectus must be read before any decision to invest. The Prospectus (in English and in French), the PCT when applicable, the KID (in French and in Dutch), as well as the latest annual and semi-annual reports (in English and French) are available free of charge at our financial Belgian agent CACEIS Belgium S.A., 86C /b320, Avenue du Port, 1000 Bruxelles or at the management company, Pictet Asset Management (Europe) SA, 6B, rue du Fort Niedergruenewald, L-2226 Luxembourg, as well as in digital format at www.assetmanagement.pictet.
The summary of investors rights is available here and in French and in Dutch at www.assetmanagement.pictet under the heading "Resources", at the bottom of the page.
The list of countries where the fund is registered can be obtained at all times from Pictet Asset Management (Europe) S.A., which may decide to terminate the arrangements made for the marketing of the fund or compartments of the fund in any given country.
The NAV are available at www.beama.be.
Claims and Mediation Service: For any claim you can contact Pictet Asset Management (Europe) S.A., Compliance Department, 6B, rue du Fort Niedergruenewald, L-2226 Luxembourg or the Consumer Mediation Service (Service de Médiation pour le Consommateur), North Gate II, Boulevard du Roi Albert II 8 in 1000 Bruxelles or at www.mediationconsommateur.be. The Mediation Service may suggest solutions for the settlement of the dispute. In the absence of agreement on the proposed solutions, each party may bring proceedings before the competent courts.
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Information, opinions and estimates contained in this document reflect a judgment at the original date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Pictet Asset Management (Europe) S.A. has not taken any steps to ensure that the securities referred to in this document are suitable for any particular investor and this document is not to be relied upon in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each investor and may be subject to change in the future.
Before making any investment decision, investors are recommended to ascertain if this investment is suitable for them in light of their financial knowledge and experience, investment goals and financial situation, or to obtain specific advice from an industry professional.
The value and income of any of the securities or financial instruments mentioned in this document may fall as well as rise and, as a consequence, investors may receive back less than originally invested.
This marketing material is not intended to be a substitute for the fund’s full documentation or any information which investors should obtain from their financial intermediaries acting in relation to their investment in the fund or funds mentioned in this document.
The investment guidelines are internal guidelines which are subject to change at any time and without any notice within the limits of the fund's prospectus.
The mentioned financial instruments are provided for illustrative purposes only and shall not be considered as a direct offering, investment recommendation or investment advice. Reference to a specific security is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Effective allocations are subject to change and may have changed since the date of the marketing material.
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