Drug rapamycin may slow down aging
Rapamycin, a drug known for its ability to prevent organ rejection in kidney transplant patients, has recently gained attention in the field of antiaging medicine.
Although its primary use is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an immunosuppressant, it has begun to be used off-label to try to extend human longevity. This trend has caused controversy in the medical community due to the lack of conclusive research on its safety and effectiveness for this purpose.
The mechanism of interest in rapamycin is based on its effect on the mTOR pathway, a key cellular pathway influencing cell growth and aging. Previous studies have shown that inhibiting this pathway can extend lifespan in animal models, including yeast, worms, flies and mice. However, there is still a long way to go to confirm these effects in humans.
Dr. Andrea B. Mayer, a professor of aging research at the National University of Singapore, emphasized in an interview with Fox News Digital that rapamycin may have benefits in preventing diseases associated with aging. A recent study published in the Lancet Healthy Longevity found that the drug improved several aspects of skin aging, one of the most noticeable results to date.
For his part, molecular biologist Daniel Tawfik, co-founder of digital clinic Healthspan in California, has begun using rapamycin in some of his patients in the context of a therapy aimed at slowing cellular aging. Their approach, Tawfik explained, is based on preventing the accumulation of senescent cells, which are cells that have stopped functioning properly and contribute to tissue deterioration and inflammation in the body. By slowing down the transformation of healthy cells into senescent cells, we can hope to preserve organ function and improve overall health as we age.
Despite these promises, the use of rapamycin for anti-aging purposes is not approved by the FDA. The drug is only approved for use in the treatment of organ transplants and certain types of cancer. Off-label uses for other purposes, such as life extension, have not been assessed by regulatory authorities. That means doctors prescribing rapamycin for aging should warn their patients that it is not officially approved for that use, said Elena Quattrocchi, a registered pharmacist and assistant professor at Long Island University. In addition, patients should be closely monitored for any side effects.
The potential benefits are not without risks. Clinical studies in humans have shown that although adverse reactions are usually mild to moderate and reversible after stopping treatment, negative effects such as increased infections, higher levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are possible. These side effects are especially common in older people or those with age-related conditions. Tawfik stressed the importance of careful monitoring of patients taking this drug, as high doses may cause unwanted immunosuppression.
Although the scientific community continues to explore the use of rapamycin in aging, the lack of reliable human data poses a challenge. Most current research focuses on laboratory animals, leaving several unknowns regarding its long-term use in humans. “We need more studies evaluating the effects of rapamycin on aging and how it might affect other human organ systems,” Mayer said.
Despite these problems, the drug continues to grow in popularity, especially in clinics specializing in anti-aging therapy. Longevity experts recommend that anyone interested in this type of treatment consult a doctor and avoid self-medication. Medical supervision is critical to ensure the safety and effectiveness of administered doses and to reduce the likelihood of serious side effects.
Although rapamycin may be a breakthrough in the fight against aging, its use in this area is still uncertain. Experts agree that although the drug shows great potential, much more research remains to be done before it can be considered a viable and safe treatment for extending human life.
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