People are taking this cancer drug to extend their lifespan—does it work, and what else can it do?
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
"The next frontier, in my view, is what I call ‘matchmaking’—understanding why someone ages the way they do and how it’s expressed. In the past 2 to 3 years, there’s been a remarkable evolution in our knowledge and we’re finally starting to get a clearer grasp of the aging phenotype.” — Andrea Maier, MD, PhD
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Rapamycin, originally developed as an immunosuppressant to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients and commonly used in cancer therapy, has garnered significant attention for its potential anti-aging effects.[][]
Studies in animal models have shown that rapamycin can extend lifespan by delaying or preventing the onset of age-related physiological changes, such as cancer.[][][]
While research on its effects in humans is ongoing, early results are promising. Some experts believe it could be a viable anti-aging therapy, but concerns remain about its long-term safety and efficacy, particularly given the potential side effects associated with prolonged use.
The drug works by inhibiting mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin), a protein kinase that regulates key cellular processes, including growth, metabolism, and survival. By blocking mTOR, rapamycin helps delay aging-related processes, such as cellular senescence and the accumulation of damaged cells, which are linked to age-related diseases like cardiovascular conditions, neurodegeneration, and diabetes.
@mykigai Have you heard of #rapamycin for #longevity and #antiaging ♬ Forever - Labrinth
In an interview with MDLinx, Andrea Maier, MD, PhD, a professor of healthy aging and dementia research and Director of the Centre for Healthy Longevity at the National University of Singapore, says, “There are numerous studies on animal models showing that rapamycin and other rapalogs may extend lifespan and improve function; however, the question remains whether these effects also apply to humans. More research is needed before we can definitively say that rapamycin has a role in lowering biological age.”
While the drug is FDA-approved for specific uses, such as preventing organ rejection in transplant patients and treating certain cancers, its application in aging research remains experimental, with much of the research still in its early stages.[] Despite this, rapamycin is increasingly being used "off-label" by patients seeking its potential longevity benefits, fueling both curiosity and ongoing debate about its efficacy and safety.
Off-label use: Early findings
In a 2023 study published in GeroScience, researchers present preliminary evidence suggesting that rapamycin can be safely used in healthy adults.[] The 333 individuals using rapamycin off-label for preventative healthspan-promoting benefits reported less adverse health outcomes and were less likely to have experienced moderate or severe COVID-19 symptoms than those not taking rapamycin, according to the study’s co-author, Anar Isman, co-founder and CEO of AgelessRx. “They were also three times more likely to report improvements in general health, happiness, brain function, and several other aspects of quality of life,” Isman tells MDLinx.
Although evidence indicates that rapamycin is generally safe, healthcare professionals should discuss potential side effects and drug interactions with their interested patients, particularly given that long-term use may lead to immune suppression or metabolic disturbances.[]
@doctorweil One thing is for sure, I would do anything to make sure my dogs stay happy and healthy for as long as possible! While there are not any conclusive studies done when it comes to Rapamycin, I am seeing positive results for Juno! My hope is that, with very low doses, Rapamycin can help with the longevity of my dogs life.
♬ original sound - Andrew Weil, M.D.
The future of anti-aging therapies
Dr. Maier describes this as an exciting breakthrough in anti-aging research, offering deeper insights into how the rate of aging differs from one patient to another.
“The next frontier, in my view, is what I call ‘matchmaking’—understanding why someone ages the way they do and how it’s expressed,” she says. “In the past 2 to 3 years, there’s been a remarkable evolution in our knowledge, and we’re finally starting to get a clearer grasp of the aging phenotype.”
What this means for you
Rapamycin has shown promising results in animal studies, where it has extended lifespan by delaying or even preventing age-related diseases. While these findings are encouraging, its impact on aging in humans remains under investigation. Some researchers believe it may be generally safe for use as an anti-aging therapy in healthy adults. However, the long-term safety and efficacy of the drug are not yet fully understood. As research progresses, new treatments for aging may emerge, but for now, it is essential to stay informed and advise patients to consult with healthcare professionals before considering rapamycin for use.