Rapamycin
Rapamycin (Sirolimus, mTOR inhibitor)
Also known as: Sirolimus, Rapamune
An FDA-approved mTOR inhibitor that extends lifespan in animals and is widely studied off-label at low, intermittent doses for longevity.
Overview
Rapamycin is an FDA-approved drug (Sirolimus) used to prevent transplant rejection and in certain conditions. It inhibits mTOR, a central growth and nutrient-sensing pathway, and is one of the most robust compounds for extending lifespan across animal species. This has driven intense interest in low, intermittent dosing for human healthy aging, studied in trials such as PEARL. Its longevity use is off-label and investigational.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits the mTOR pathway, mimicking aspects of caloric restriction and enhancing autophagy and cellular maintenance.
Key studies & citations
- Animal2009
Rapamycin fed late in life extends lifespan in genetically heterogeneous mice
Started at 600 days of age, rapamycin extended lifespan at three sites: 14% in females and 9% in males at the 90th percentile.
Nature - Human2014
mTOR inhibition improves immune function in the elderly
Low-dose mTOR inhibitor (everolimus) enhanced influenza vaccine response in older adults, the first human aging-related signal.
Science Translational Medicine - Human2025
Influence of rapamycin on safety and healthspan metrics after one year: PEARL trial results
48 weeks of low-dose intermittent rapamycin was relatively safe in normative-aging adults; lean mass and pain improved in women on 10 mg.
Aging
Frequently asked questions
Do people take rapamycin for longevity?
Some do, off-label at low intermittent doses under medical supervision, based on strong animal data. Human longevity benefit is not yet proven and it is a prescription immunosuppressant with real risks.