Existing medication may unintentionally slow down aging, study reveals.

A drug utilized to hinder organ rejection in kidney transplant recipients is being advertised as a possible method to decelerate aging.

Sirolimus, an immune-suppressing medication, is being used off-label to increase lifespan.

Dr. Andrea B. Maier, a professor in healthy aging and dementia research at the Director of the Centre for Healthy Longevity at the National University of Singapore, stated that targeting a key pathway (mTOR) in cells with a drug has been shown to extend lifespan in animals and could be beneficial to prevent age-related diseases in humans, as reported by Planet Chronicle Digital.

A recent review study on the effects of rapamycin on healthy humans was co-authored by Maier.

The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal published a review stating that the medication enhanced the skin's aging effects.

According to Maier, rapamycin and its derivatives enhance the immune and cardiovascular health of both healthy individuals and those with age-related diseases.

Rapamycin is used by Healthspan, a digital medical clinic founded by molecular biologist Daniel Tawfik, to slow down the aging process.

Tawfik, based in Santa Monica, California, sees this through the perspective of decreasing the buildup of damaged senescent cells.

The expert stated that senescent cells, although they no longer function correctly, remain in the body and can cause tissue degeneration and inflammation.

Rapamycin can slow the aging process at the tissue level by reducing the rate at which healthy cells transform into senescent cells, which helps preserve organ function and overall health as we age, he stated.

Off-label use

In the US, rapamycin is FDA-approved for its immune-suppressing properties in kidney transplant and cancer patients.

It is not approved for use as an age-defying drug.

The FDA has not approved sirolimus (rapamycin) as an anti-aging treatment, according to a statement from a press officer.

"Rapamycin can slow the aging process at the tissue level, helping to preserve organ function and overall health."

According to Elaena Quattrocchi, a registered pharmacist and an associate professor at Long Island University College of Pharmacy in Brooklyn, New York, rapamycin is being used "off-label" for anti-aging purposes.

The drug's use is not approved by the FDA, according to her statement to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Quattrocchi pointed out that when prescribing a drug for off-label use, the provider must inform the patient that the medication has not been approved for the indication for which they are prescribing it.

It is necessary for individuals using this medication to consult with their primary care provider and pharmacist regarding the possible side effects and drug interactions, as stated.

Benefits of rapamycin

According to Tawfik, his company is currently treating over 3,500 patients with rapamycin.

He stated that his team has observed several advantages of using the anti-aging drug off-label, such as improved cellular health, decreased risk of age-related diseases, and the possibility of increased longevity.

Tawfik stated that under medical supervision, many of our patients experience a significant decrease in inflammation and improvement in autoimmune-related conditions.

"Patients with osteoarthritis commonly experience significant relief from joint pain after beginning treatment with rapamycin."

Rapamycin use in patients was associated with biomarkers linked to healthspan and longevity, including reduced inflammation markers and improved metabolic health, as noted by the expert in bloodwork analysis.

Screening and safety

Patients need a prescription for rapamycin, experts told Planet Chronicle Digital.

Patients are closely monitored while taking the drug if they are prescribed it. Screening is done to determine if individuals are suitable candidates for the treatment.

"It is essential that rapamycin use is overseen by a physician."

Tawfik cautioned that it is crucial for a physician to oversee the use of rapamycin to ensure effective and safe dosing, as excessive doses can cause unwanted immunosuppression.

Maier echoed that rapamycin and its derivatives are not for self-medication use.

She advised measuring a patient's biological age and investigating the reasons for a faster pace of aging as a crucial step, according to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"A customized strategy that aligns with the measures and interventions is necessary."

Both Quattrocchi and Tawfik highlighted the significance of utilizing an accredited pharmacy that procures the medication directly from a trustworthy manufacturer.

Tawfik advised against using rapamycin for individuals with compromised immune systems or those taking immunosuppressant drugs.

Since starting this regimen at an early age, it is not typically used in younger adults, he added.

Calls for more research

Limited research has been conducted on the effects of rapamycin on humans and their systems, according to Maier.

The adverse reactions experienced by healthy individuals while taking the drug were classified as mild or moderate and were reversible upon discontinuation of treatment, according to Maier's research team's studies.

According to the study authors, individuals with aging-related diseases had higher numbers of infections and increases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

"Assessments of unexamined systems and the effects of long-term exposure to rapamycin and its derivatives should be conducted in future studies."

Researchers have conducted studies on rapamycin's effects on aging using mice, other animals, and experimental models, according to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Scientists are fascinated by rapamycin because it has been observed to increase both healthspan and lifespan in every species studied so far, including yeast, worms, flies, and mice.

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"No other intervention has that degree of validation."

Further research is necessary to determine the correct dosage, adverse effects, and potential anti-aging benefits of the drug in both healthy individuals and those with medical conditions, as agreed upon by Quattrocchi.