Rapamycin Rivals Calorie Restriction in Boosting Longevity

Rapid Summary

• largest study on rapamycin’s life-extending effects reviewed data from 167 studies across eight vertebrate species (fish, mice, rats, rhesus monkeys, etc.).
• Rapamycin appears to extend lifespan similarly to calorie restriction, which is already known to enhance longevity by up to 40% in non-human animals.
• Dietary restrictions such as intermittent fasting were shown to increase lifespan for both sexes across all studied species.
• The diabetes drug metformin showed no significant longevity benefits.
• High doses of rapamycin have side effects like immune suppression and disturbed reproduction; low-dose trials indicate relative safety in older adults but limited human data exists.
• Experts advise against taking rapamycin or restricting calories without more definitive understanding of risks and rewards for humans.

Image: An illustration of the drug rapamycin inhibiting the mTORC1 protein complex with various cellular effects (Source: Science Photo Library/Getty Images).