If you were following the science headlines last November, you'd be able to recall that it was found that Resveratrol, an ingredient in red wine, demonstrated that it kept overfed mice from gaining weight, turned them into the equivalent of Olympic athletes, and blessed mice with a slowed aging process.

Yeah, super-soldier serum for mice.

A report over at CNN reveals that Sirtis Pharmaceuticals, a biotech startup, is getting major funding, around US$ 82 million, because of its goal to develop medicines that have the same health-boosting effects in people that Resveratrol had on mice.

Sirtis is already clinically testing its first drug based on resveratrol that promises to keep diabetic patients' blood sugar under control. The drug contains concentrated resveratrol and is more effective at getting it into the bloodstream than drinking red wine.

What's noteworthy here is that most biotech firms pioneering new science takes years before testing drugs on people. Sirtis' drug reached the clinic less than 18 months after the company's launch.

Here's proof that it's easier to get support if you're promising a fountain of youth.