Latest news with #Rapamycin
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Business Standard
24-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Scientists edge closer to drug that could safely extend human lifespan
For decades, researchers have explored ways to slow the ageing process and extend healthy lifespan. One consistent strategy has been dietary restriction, which has reliably increased lifespan in several animal species. However, maintaining long-term calorie reduction is difficult for humans and may sometimes lead to adverse health effects. A major new study published in the journal Aging Cell brings scientists a step closer to viable longevity therapies. The study, titled Rapamycin, not metformin, mirrors dietary restriction-driven lifespan extension in vertebrates: A meta-analysis, suggests that rapamycin could be a promising alternative to dietary restriction. What is rapamycin and how does it affect ageing? Rapamycin, first discovered in soil from Easter Island in the 1970s, is an immunosuppressant drug commonly used in kidney transplants and cardiac stents. It works by inhibiting the mTOR pathway, a key nutrient-sensing mechanism involved in growth, metabolism, and ageing. What the study found In this meta-analysis, researchers reviewed 167 studies across eight vertebrate species, from fish to monkeys. Key findings include: Dietary restriction remains the most consistent method for extending lifespan Rapamycin showed comparable benefits in prolonging lifespan and improving healthspan While the drug can suppress the immune system and affect fertility, early human trials with low, intermittent doses have demonstrated promising outcomes Should people start taking rapamycin now? Not yet, say experts. While the findings are promising, scientists caution against premature use in humans until more safety data is available. Ongoing research is examining whether low-dose regimens can yield benefits without major side effects. The road ahead for anti-ageing therapies The study adds weight to the idea that ageing can be biologically modulated. Rapamycin's potential to promote longevity without strict dieting could pave the way for the development of future drugs aimed at healthy ageing.
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Do longevity drugs work?
As elixirs of life go, long-term fasting is a surprising candidate. Yet it seems to work. Experiments on species from nematode worms to rhesus monkeys show that near-starvation prolongs lifespan. And, though no long-term experiment has been conducted to prove the same is true in Homo sapiens, short-term ones suggest similar physiological changes happen. PREMIUM Both rapamycin and metformin have drawn the attention of the 'live for ever' brigade because they inhibit what is known as the mTOR pathway (indeed, mTOR stands for 'mechanistic target of rapamycin')(Representational image) Mysteriously, however, most people are loth to trade three square meals a day in the here and now for the promise of a longer retirement, so the search has been on for chemical alternatives to fasting. Two molecules in particular have attracted attention: rapamycin, an immunosuppressant used to stop the rejection of transplanted kidneys, and metformin, an anti-diabetes drug. June 19th saw the publication of a paper summarising the evidence of their effectiveness in animals, compared with fasting. Both rapamycin and metformin have drawn the attention of the 'live for ever' brigade because they inhibit what is known as the mTOR pathway (indeed, mTOR stands for 'mechanistic target of rapamycin'). Overactivation of this in old age is associated with hallmarks of ageing such as inflammation. Conversely, fasting suppresses mTOR activity. That promotes autophagy, a phenomenon in which cells clear out their accumulated crud, which is reckoned lifespan-enhancing. Moreover, both substances also have the advantages of having undergone safety trials as part of approval for their on-label uses, and of being off-patent, and therefore cheap. Being off-patent, however, cuts both ways. It means commercial sponsors for human clinical trials are hard to find, since they cannot monopolise sales. As a result the Targeting Ageing with Metformin (TAME) trial, a proposal sponsored by the American Federation for Aging Research, a charity, and approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2015, remains in abeyance for lack of funds. Rapamycin, by contrast, has been tested in what is known as the PEARL (Participatory Evaluation of Ageing with Rapamycin for Longevity) trial, which began in July 2020. But this found no strong evidence that it worked. Animal tests have proved more definitive. The new paper, published in Aging Cell by Edward Ivimey-Cook of Glasgow University and his colleagues, gathers all the vertebrate-trial evidence that the authors could find. This amounts to 167 studies on eight species, ranging from fish to monkeys. The answers seem clear-cut. To no one's surprise, calorie restriction works. So, to a pretty-much equal extent, does rapamycin. But metformin does not. That is a blow to those, their number unknown but probably amounting to thousands, who have twisted their doctors' arms to get an off-label prescription of it for life extension. But it is a boost to those who have opted for rapamycin. These include Vinod Khosla, one of Silicon Valley's best-known venture capitalists, and, until recently, Bryan Johnson, another Californian techie, who has made a second career out of his quest for immortality. Mr Johnson, however, dropped rapamycin in 2024 because of its side-effects (abnormal lipid and glucose levels, elevated heart rate and increased risk of skin infection). All of which is interesting. But for mere mortals who want a long and healthy life without the risk of rapamycin's side-effects the advice remains the same: eat wisely, drink moderately, exercise regularly, sleep well. And stub that cigarette out. Curious about the world? To enjoy our mind-expanding science coverage, sign up to Simply Science, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Scientists may have found a way to extend lifespan without strict dieting; here's what the research shows
For centuries, humanity has pursued the secret to a longer life through alchemy, mythology, and, more recently, science. While the philosopher's stone remains a myth, researchers have discovered a reliable method to extend lifespan in animals: eating less. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Known as dietary restriction , this practice triggers biological mechanisms that slow aging and improve longevity. However, strict dieting is difficult and unsustainable for many. The pressing question now is whether we can replicate these benefits without giving up the joy of food. Could science develop treatments that mimic the effects of calorie restriction, offering a longer, healthier life—without constant hunger? Can a pill help you live longer without dieting? Science says maybe In the last decade, researchers have studied molecules that imitate the biological impacts of eating less. Two of the most researched compounds are rapamycin and metformin. These compounds hold the promise of increasing lifespan without the physiological and psychological strain of constant dieting. A new study led by researchers in the compared the impact of these drugs to that of dietary restriction. The findings were illuminating rapamycin showed life-extending effects nearly as consistent as eating less, while metformin did not produce the same longevity benefits. Why eating less works so well Dietary restriction has been the gold standard of anti-ageing research, when researchers first learned that laboratory rats fed a lower-calorie diet lived longer than their normally fed counterparts. Since then, many more have established that consuming fewer calories through portion control or intermittent fasting is able to extend life in a range of different species. Nonetheless, strict dieting is hard to keep to, and too much restriction will cause harm to one's health. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That is why scientists are keen to discover alternatives that provide the same benefits with fewer drawbacks. How Rapamycin and Metformin became anti-aging contenders Rapamycin, which was initially identified in Easter Island soil in the 1970s, is a potent immunosuppressant drug utilised to suppress organ transplant rejection. Its anti-aging applications result from its capacity to inhibit a primary molecular switch (mTOR) that informs cells that nutrients are abundant. By suppressing this message, rapamycin mimics the action of dietary deprivation at the cell level. Actually, a combination of rapamycin with another medication, trametinib, has been found to further prolong the lifespan of mice. Metformin is a compound found in the French lilac plant that is commonly prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Like rapamycin, it targets the body's nutrient-sensing mechanisms. With its extensive record of safety and widespread use, it's been a potential life-extending candidate. Yet the review of 167 studies involving eight vertebrate animals—from fish to rats—found no persistent evidence that metformin prolonged lifespan. This would indicate it might not be able to deliver all the benefits of dietary restriction, at least singly. Which works best: Eating less or taking a pill? Three interventions in the research: Dietary restriction (reducing intake) Rapamycin Metformin And the results were unequivocal: Dietary restriction is still the most persistent way to increase lifespan. Rapamycin stands close second, with promising results in several species and both sexes. Metformin, as it happens, failed to produce consistent benefits. According to the research, this places rapamycin among the most exciting leads in the quest for effective anti-ageing treatments. The future of aging is promising—but still experimental Though aging is not a disease, it is the main risk factor for most chronic diseases, such as cancer, dementia, and cardiovascular disease. Slowing aging—albeit modestly—may result in healthier longer lives and lower healthcare expenditures, particularly as populations globally become older. All that said, some cautionary results should be noted. A few studies actually indicated shortened lifespan with rapamycin or dietary restriction. And the majority of studies have been conducted in lab animals not humans. Co-lead researcher Dr. Edward Ivimey-Cook from the University of Glasgow emphasized, 'While our findings don't advocate for widespread Rapamycin use just yet, they do reinforce the need for continued research into its potential for promoting healthy aging . This also opens up broader conversations around the development of longevity-focused treatments.' Supporting this view, Dr. Sultanova noted, 'Our results highlight drug repurposing as a promising strategy for enhancing both healthspan and lifespan.' Both Rapamycin and Metformin are currently undergoing human clinical trials, with definitive results yet to be released. *Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice. While current research on drugs like rapamycin and metformin shows potential in extending lifespan in animal models, these findings are NOT yet conclusive for humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any medical treatment or lifestyle change related to longevity or disease prevention. Also Read |
Indian Express
20-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Scientists say they may have found a way to extend human lifespan
For decades, scientists have been trying to find a way to extend human lifespan, and while studies have shown that select lab animals can live longer by eating less, they haven't conducted these studies on humans. A century-old study on lab rats has shown that mice who eat less often outlive their fed counterparts, but it can be almost impossible for most humans to follow a permanent diet. However, a new study by the School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, claims that a combination of FDA-approved drugs that mimic the effects of dieting might be the answer to a longer life. The two drugs – Rapamycin and Metformin are known to extend the lifespan of mice as much as up to 30 per cent. Rapamycin, which was first found in the 1970s in bacteria living on the Easter Island soil, has been traditionally used as a powerful immunosuppressant to prevent organ-transplant rejection. The drug works by disabling a particular switch which is used to inform cells when a cell has an abundance of nutrients. As for Metformin, it is a synthetic compound that is found in French Lilac or Goat's Rue, which doctors prescribe to control sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. Since both of these drugs are used to sense the nutrient and energy levels in the human body, biologists wanted to see if the combination of these drugs could have the same effect as eating less. To know more about their effects, scientists say they examined thousands of existing studies and came across 167 studies that focused on eight vertebrate species, like fish and monkeys, which offered them a detailed insight into how these drugs affected animals. Out of three strategies that help with longevity, eating less, taking Rapamycin and consuming Metformin, scientists say the most dependable way to increase the lifespan is to eat less, irrespective of the animal's sex. They also noted that the second most effective strategy to increase lifespan was to take Rapamycin, while Metformin had no substantial effect. However, scientists did say that the effect of Rapamycin on animals wasn't consistent, as, in some cases, studies have shown that eating less or taking Rapamycin reduced an animal's lifespan. Another thing to note here is that most of these positive effects were on mice and rats, which have genes similar to humans but are not exactly the same. And since Rapamycin does come with some side effects, like reduced immunity, scientists are now trying to see if lower doses of the drug offer some advantages without the side effects. According to an ongoing Rapamycin trial on humans, it was noted that lower doses of the drug might help increase the lifespan. But, as of now, the trial is still in progress and will take a few years before the results are out.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Combo of cancer therapy drugs increases mice lifespan by 30%
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Researchers have found that a cocktail of two cancer drugs can increase the lifespan of mice by up to around 30%, according to a new study. The two drugs, trametinib and rapamycin, were both effective at extending the lives of mice when administered separately, but offered even greater benefits when taken together. They also reduced chronic inflammation and delayed cancer development in the aging mice. Mice are not humans, however, so the new findings don't necessarily mean that people will live longer by taking these drugs (outside of their current prescribed use). But the study authors noted that the drugs, which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are good candidates for human trials exploring ways to help older people age better. The researchers published their study about the potential longevity benefits of the FDA-approved drugs on May 28 in the journal Nature Aging. "While we do not expect a similar extension to human lifespans as we found in mice, we hope that the drugs we're investigating could help people to stay healthy and disease-free for longer late in life," study co-lead author Linda Partridge, a geneticist at University College London in the U.K. and the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing in Cologne, Germany, said in a statement. Both drugs work by targeting cell communication pathways in the body, which play a critical role in aging and the development of diseases like cancer. Rapamycin inhibits a protein called mTOR, which regulates the division and death of cells and is associated with cancer and other diseases. Trametinib disrupts a molecular pathway called RAS/Mek/Erk, which also plays a role in cancerous cell proliferation — again, useful if you're trying to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells. Related: Heat waves may accelerate the aging process Rapamycin was already known to extend the lifespan of mice, while trametinib has previously been shown to add time to the lifespan of flies. Previous studies have also found that the drugs' separate lifespan-extending effects stack in flies, providing an even greater boost when administered together. However, the new study marks the first time that scientists have combined rapamycin and trametinib to study aging in mammals. The researchers mixed the drugs into the food of lab mice and found that, individually, rapamycin extended the mouse lifespan by 15% to 20% while trametinib extended it by around 5% to 10%. Just like in flies, the drugs proved stronger together, with a cocktail of the two increasing the mouse lifespan by up to 29%, according to the study. RELATED STORIES —Biological secrets of world's oldest woman, Maria Branyas Morera, revealed after death —Single molecule reverses signs of aging in muscles and brains, mouse study reveals —Silent X chromosome genes 'reawaken' in older females, perhaps boosting brain power, study finds To explore the biochemical underpinnings of these effects, the team took tissue samples from the mice and analyzed how the activity of their genes was affected by the two drugs. They found that not only did the mice gain separate benefits from the two different drugs but that, when used in combination, the drug cocktail influenced gene activity differently to when either drug was taken alone, according to the statement. The study highlights that these two drugs could be good candidates for geroprotectors, which are an emerging class of drugs aimed at delaying the onset of diseases and improving the health of older people. However, for now, the researchers plan to optimize the use of trametinib to maximize its benefits while minimizing side effects like weight loss and liver lesions. "Trametinib, especially in combination with rapamycin, is a good candidate to be tested in clinical trials as a geroprotector," co-lead author Sebastian Grönke, a senior postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, said in the statement. "We hope that our results will be taken up by others and tested in humans. Our focus is on optimising the use of trametinib in animal models."
