Effect Of Rapamycin On Aging And Age-Related Diseases — Past And Future

Research Summary

A review of the mouse literature on rapamycin and ageing, following the 2009 report that the drug extends lifespan when started late in life.

Who Or What Was Studied?

Mouse studies of rapamycin published in the decade after the 2009 lifespan report, covering lifespan, cardiac disease and function, the central nervous system, the immune system and cell senescence.

What Did The Research Show?

• Areas with strong mouse evidence include lifespan, cardiac disease and function, the central nervous system, the immune system and cellular senescence.
• Starting treatment after ageing had already begun still produced benefits in mice.
• The authors argue that pre-clinical work should now focus on translation toward human studies.

Limitations And Interpretation

• The evidence base is largely preclinical and mostly in mice.
• The review does not establish human benefit, dosing or long-term safety.