Can rapamycin, a drug popular among anti-aging enthusiasts, truly help extend lives? A longevity expert provides insight.

In recent years, instead of relying on traditional methods like vigorous exercise and healthy diets, individuals have increasingly turned to prescription drugs in the pursuit of a longer, healthier life.

A pill known as rapamycin is typically prescribed to patients before organ transplants to suppress the immune system, as stated by Dr. Andrea Maier, a longevity expert and internal medicine specialist.

Dr. Peter Attia, a well-known advocate for anti-aging, has been taking rapamycin for years and claims it has positive effects on longevity.

Maier believes that off-label rapamycin may have potential benefits for human aging, but there is limited knowledge about its effects.

What drew Attia's attention to the drug in the first place?

Researchers first discovered rapamycin's ability to extend lifespan when it prolonged the lives of yeast, and later found it to have the same effect on mice, fruit flies, and worms. A 2014 study demonstrated that rapamycin increased the lifespan of mice by over 20%.

The New York Times reports that some users of the drug claim it has helped with weight loss, alleviated body aches, and caused gray hair to turn dark. However, there is limited research on its effectiveness and safety for long-term use in humans.

Maier explains that her group is conducting trials with rapamycin to determine if it can reduce the biological age of middle-aged individuals, potentially preventing age-related diseases in the future.

Clinical trials are being conducted to determine if rapamycin can improve human longevity by treating diseases that commonly affect older adults, such as Alzheimer's.

Maier advises caution for individuals taking rapamycin for unapproved purposes and not participating in a clinical trial, as it is a potent drug that can cause many side effects and significantly impact the immune system.

Suppressing your immune system can increase your susceptibility to infections, as research has shown that rapamycin has caused nausea and mouth sores in some people, as well as high cholesterol, according to The New York Times.

Maier states that they do not have the drug or supplement that everyone should take, emphasizing that it is absolutely not an option.

Maier recommends simple and safe practices for longevity, such as brain tests to keep your mind sharp, prioritizing social fitness by spending quality time with loved ones, and eating a nutrient-dense diet.

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