Rapamycin has emerged as one of the most promising anti-aging compounds.
Rapamycin was first shown to increase the lifespan of mice when implemented later in life, representing the first evidence that a pharmacological agent could have an impact on aging when administered later in life.
It can extend mouse lifespan by 15-20%, even when treatment begins in middle age.
Rapamycin is almost as reliable as eating less for increasing lifespan, comparing favorably to caloric restriction, which has long been considered the gold standard for lifespan extension.
Rapamycin works by inhibiting the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway, which is one of the core and detrimental mechanisms related to aging.
The mTOR pathway regulates cell growth, metabolism, and autophagy – processes that become dysregulated with age.
Researchers are testing rapamycin’s ability to prevent gum disease, which is often associated with heart disease and dementia, as a way to study its effects on age-related conditions in humans.
Rapamycin is an immunosuppressive drug, so it carries potential risks including increased susceptibility to infections and certain cancers.
The optimal dosing regimen for anti-aging effects while minimizing side effects is still being researched.
Most longevity-focused protocols use much lower, intermittent doses compared to those used for immunosuppression.