Anti-Aging

Mice live 60% longer with rapamycin: does rapamycin also have anti-aging effects on humans?

24 September 2024
Alex Schulz

Imagine a drug that could not only make you live to 150 years old but also keep you fit and energetic as if you were years younger. Sounds like science fiction, right? Yet, this is exactly what scientists have discovered in mice treated with rapamycin.

These mice lived an astonishing 60% longer and remained active and vibrant well into old age. If we were to translate that to human lifespans, you could be a fit 150-year-old!

Rapamycin in mice

One of the most groundbreaking studies on rapamycin comes from research where old mice underwent an unexpected transformation: their lifespan was extended by an astonishing 60%! These elderly mice frolicked longer than their peers, with improved resistance to diseases and sharper cognitive functioning. But the magic of rapamycin doesn’t stop with mice.

Research with fruit flies showed that even these tiny creatures experienced a significant lifespan extension. And dogs also lived longer with rapamycin: older animals received a boost in health and vitality. Thus, rapamycin appears to be a powerful agent for a longer and healthier lifespan.

How does it work?

Rapamycin, also known as sirolimus, is a drug originally discovered in a bacterium found on the remote Easter Island.

The secret of rapamycin lies in its ability to inhibit mTOR proteins (mammalian target of rapamycin), which typically drive cell growth and activity.

By slowing down mTOR, the body shifts into a "maintenance mode," dedicating less energy to growth and more to repair and protection. This process also initiates autophagy, a natural cleanup operation that removes damaged cells, helping to combat cellular aging and damage.

Additionally, rapamycin reduces the production of inflammatory substances, crucial for fighting age-related diseases like heart conditions and neurodegenerative disorders.

Rapamycin in humans

Rapamycin has been tested in humans primarily for medical purposes such as organ transplantation and cancer treatment, receiving FDA approval in 1999.

Research

Research into the use of rapamycin in humans has gained increasing attention in recent years, with recent studies focusing on the possible rejuvenating effects of this drug.

One of the first significant steps in the research on rapamycin and aging in humans was participation in clinical trials such as the PEARL Trial. The PEARL Trial (Participatory Evaluation of Aging with Rapamycin for Longevity) is an exciting research project focusing on the potential anti-aging effects of rapamycin in humans.

Preliminary results suggest that participants may experience positive health changes, including improvements in immune function and potentially a reduction in age-related conditions.

Skin rejuvenation

Another interesting area of research concerns the use of rapamycin to combat the effects of aging on the skin.

Preliminary studies indicate that the use of topical rapamycin can lead to reduced wrinkles and improved skin elasticity, suggesting that this drug may also offer cosmetic benefits.

Safety

The safety of rapamycin is a significant topic in the context of its anti-aging effects. It appears that dosage is crucial: high amounts can lead to harmful side effects, while relatively small doses are generally well tolerated.

However, despite indications that lower dosages may be safe, research has not yet made definitive statements regarding the optimal dosage and long-term effects in humans. This underscores the need for more comprehensive clinical studies to find the right balance between efficacy and safety in using rapamycin as a potential longevity agent.

Conclusion

It is becoming increasingly clear that rapamycin is a very powerful tool in the fight against aging, with undeniable evidence from animal studies. If mice can live up to 60% longer and remain vital thanks to this compound, it is fascinating to consider what this could mean for humans.

Nonetheless, it is essential for rapamycin to be further tested in people, with particular attention to potential side effects.

Scientists are optimistic and suggest that it is not a question of "if," but rather "when." The idea of reaching an advanced age with rapamycin while still remaining energetic and vital seems to be drawing closer.