Rapamycin, a drug traditionally used to prevent organ transplant rejection, has garnered attention for its potential as a longevity enhancer and a combatant against age-related diseases. The substance, originally discovered in the soil of Easter Island and approved by the FDA in 1999, has since been repurposed beyond its immunosuppressive label, intriguing researchers and consumers alike who are drawn to its promise as an anti-aging treatment.
Evidence of rapamycin’s life-extending properties primarily comes from animal studies, with consistent benefits observed across species such as yeast, worms, and mice. In one notable study, rapamycin extended the lives of elderly mice by as much as 14 percent. Such promising results have spurred a trend where even individuals without underlying health conditions are seeking to incorporate rapamycin into their health regimens.
The science behind rapamycin’s touted effects involves its ability to inhibit the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which plays a significant role in the aging process. By modulating this pathway, rapamycin may reduce the intensity of age-related diseases and increase lifespan, even when introduced in later stages of life.
Despite rapamycin’s potential, the scientific community remains divided. Some experts caution against its off-label use due to possible side effects, which in certain doses can include insulin resistance and increased susceptibility to infection. However, others argue that when used in low doses or intermittently, rapamycin can be safe and beneficial. For instance, Alan Green, a physician in Little Neck, N.Y., has treated nearly 1,500 patients with rapamycin since 2017 and stands by its efficacy.
Advocates for rapamycin’s broader use point to its long-standing track record as an immunosuppressant and its more recent applications in reducing the risk of cancer in transplant patients. They also highlight the need for individualized dosing and monitoring to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
Relevant articles:
– How a cheap, generic drug became a darling of longevity enthusiasts, The Washington Post, Mar 15, 2024
– Towards disease-oriented dosing of rapamycin for longevity: does aging exist or only age-related diseases?, nih.gov
– Rapamycin for longevity: opinion article, National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov)