Anti-Aging Hopes Rise as Organ Rejection Drug Rapamycin Gains Attention

A medication originally designed to help kidney transplant patients is now being studied for its potential to slow aging.

The drug, rapamycin (or sirolimus), has shown that it can help animals live longer, and now scientists want to see if it can do the same for humans.

Rapamycin's Potential as Anti-Aging Treatments

Dr. Andrea B. Maier, a professor at the National University of Singapore, explains that rapamycin works by targeting an important process in the cell known as mTOR. In studies with animals, this process has been linked to living longer and having a lower risk of getting sick as they get older.

A recent review published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity shows that rapamycin can improve skin health and overall well-being in both healthy people and those with age-related issues.

As people age, some cells stop working well but don't go away. These cells are called "senescent cells." They can cause problems like swelling and damage to other tissues.

Daniel Tawfik, a scientist and co-founder of Healthspan, a digital medical clinic that uses rapamycin for anti-aging treatments, says that rapamycin may help slow down aging by reducing the number of healthy cells that become senescent. This could help keep organs and bodies healthier as people grow older.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved rapamycin for specific medical conditions, such as preventing organ rejection after kidney transplants and treating some cancers. However, using it as an anti-aging treatment is not officially allowed.

When doctors prescribe rapamycin for uses that are not approved, it is important for patients to know this. People considering this medication should talk to their doctors to discuss possible side effects and how it might interact with other medicines.

Tawfik's company is currently treating over 3,500 patients with rapamycin. Blood tests from these patients have shown promising results, including lower levels of inflammation and better overall health.

However, experts emphasize that prescriptions for rapamycin are needed, and patients undergo screening and monitoring to ensure safety during treatment.

Despite its potential, Dr. Maier points out that there is still limited research on how rapamycin affects human health long-term. Some studies have reported mild or moderate side effects, such as increased infections and higher cholesterol levels, especially in individuals with age-related diseases.

Rapamycin's Effects in Humans

More research is needed to better understand the effects of rapamycin on humans. Most studies on rapamycin's impact on aging have focused on animals, particularly mice.

A landmark study published in 2009 showed that giving rapamycin to mice late in life increased their lifespan by 9% for males and 14% for females. However, the results seen in mice may not fully translate to humans.

Research has also explored whether rapamycin could help delay menopause in women. A study suggested that a lower weekly dosage might slow down the aging of ovarian cells. While this could postpone menopause, it might also increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer due to prolonged exposure to estrogen.

Interest in rapamycin has surged, with media coverage and stories of wealthy individuals seeking anti-aging solutions. According to The Washington Post, some physicians are prescribing the drug for unapproved uses, making it accessible to thousands of patients for as little as $10 per week.

Some entrepreneurs, like Bryan Johnson, a California venture capitalist, are reportedly investing heavily in longevity treatments, including rapamycin. Johnson claims that he is aging more slowly than most people his age.

While rapamycin shows promise, experts warn that taking any drug comes with risks. Side effects from rapamycin can include mouth sores, nausea and abdominal pain, making it less favorable for some patients.

Scientists stress the need for further clinical trials to confirm the drug's safety and effectiveness in humans over long periods.