A pill which scientists claim could increase average life expectancy to 120 years is to be tested in Scotland.

Steve Parkinson, the Scottish-born president of US pharmaceutical giants CereMedix, revealed the drug is set to be trialled there.

Its creators say the drug will slow down the signs of ageing by repairing and restoring the body's natural defences, reports the Daily Record.

At present, average life expectancy in Britain is 75 years old.

The new pill contains the protein ependymin, which is produced by the brain and stimulates the body into making its own disease-fighting antioxidants.

These are found in fruit and vegetables, and researchers claim the new pill has the equivalent effect of eating 30lbs of fruit and vegetables every day.

Mr Parkinson said: "Everyone taking a pill will feel better and have more energy. Instead of pumping the patient full of chemicals, we will be giving them a more natural drug."

Now trials at Edinburgh University will see if help is at hand and test the drug on those with lung disease.

The university's Professor Bill MacNee says it could also have a huge effect on the treatment of Alzheimer's and strokes.

He said: "If it works, it will have all sorts of implications, not only for lung conditions but any other disease in which oxidative stress plays a part."