Although active exercise and a healthy diet are proven ways to extend lifespan, in recent years people have turned to prescription drugs in hopes of living longer and healthier lives.
One such drug is rapamycin, which is commonly prescribed to patients “to lower their immune system” prior to organ transplants, according to longevity expert and internist Dr. Andrea Meyer. It is said that it is a target.
Popular anti-aging advocates like Dr. Peter Attia swear by rapamycin and its longevity benefits, and he’s been taking it for years.
However, regarding the off-label use of rapamycin for longevity, Meyer said, “There may be potential beneficial effects on the aging human body. But we still don’t know much.” states.
So how did this drug come to the attention of people like Atia in the first place?
A 2014 study showed that rapamycin extended the lifespan of mice by more than 20%. Although it has been shown to extend the lifespan of fruit flies and worms, it first caught the attention of researchers when it extended the lifespan of yeast.
According to the New York Times, some users of the drug claim it helps them lose weight, reduce body aches, and grow dark hair that was already gray. However, there is not much research supporting its efficacy or safety in long-term use in humans.
I think it’s very unlikely that there will ever be a drug that everyone should take.
Dr. Andrea Meyer
Healthy longevity expert
“My group is conducting trials with rapamycin to see if we can lower the biological age of middle-aged people to prevent age-related diseases later in life.” Meyer says.
Larger, more robust clinical trials are underway to examine the effects of rapamycin on human lifespan by investigating whether rapamycin affects certain diseases prevalent in older adults, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
For people who are taking rapamycin for purposes other than those approved by the FDA and who are not participating in clinical trials, she says, “Be very careful because it’s a very powerful drug. It can cause a lot of side effects.” “It has a huge impact on the immune system,” Meyer says.
Suppressing your immune system can increase your susceptibility to infections. Studies have also shown that rapamycin causes nausea, mouth sores, and even high cholesterol in some people, The New York Times reported.
“There isn’t yet a drug or supplement that everyone should take. There definitely isn’t,” Meyer says.
“I think it’s very unlikely that we’ll ever have a drug that everyone should take.”
Meyer recommends adopting simple, safe habits for longevity, such as brain tests to keep your mind sharp, and prioritizing social fitness by spending quality time with loved ones and eating nutritious meals. is recommended.
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