Longevity drugs · mTOR
Rapamycin
The most-studied lifespan-extending compound in animals; human longevity data still emerging.
Not medical advice — talk to a licensed clinician. Content is educational, reflects published literature, and is not a recommendation to start, stop or change any treatment.
What it is
An FDA-approved immunosuppressant used after organ transplant. At low, intermittent doses it is being explored off-label as a longevity intervention.
How it works, in plain English
Rapamycin inhibits mTOR, a cellular growth switch. Dialing mTOR down shifts cells from 'build' mode toward maintenance and recycling (autophagy) — a pattern associated with longer life in many species.
What the human evidence shows
Robust lifespan extension in mice, including when started late in life (NIA Interventions Testing Program). In humans, small trials of rapalogs improved vaccine response in older adults. The PEARL trial reported tolerability of low-dose weekly use with modest signals. No human lifespan data exists.
Regrowth grade C: Early / mixed human data.
Typical protocols in the literature
Literature and longevity clinics commonly discuss intermittent weekly dosing (e.g., 3–10 mg once weekly) rather than daily transplant dosing. Shown for context only, not as advice.
Described for education, not as dosing advice.
Side effects & interactions
Side effects
- Mouth ulcers (stomatitis)
- Elevated lipids and glucose
- Impaired wound healing
- Possible infection risk
Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., grapefruit, clarithromycin) raise levels
- Other immunosuppressants
Key studies
- NIA Interventions Testing Program (Harrison et al.)
- Mannick et al. — mTOR inhibition and immune function in elderly
- PEARL trial (Participatory Evaluation of Aging with Rapamycin for Longevity)
Citations pending medical review