Rapamycin, a drug commonly used to treat transplant patients, has shown potential anti-aging effects in some animals. Matt Kaeberlein, a biologist who founded the Dog Aging Project, decided to try rapamycin when he was diagnosed with a frozen shoulder. His experience with the drug was positive, as it helped alleviate his pain and improve his range of motion.
Although rapamycin is not approved for anti-aging purposes, some physicians prescribe it off-label to address age-related conditions. Dr. Jonathan An at the University of Washington has received FDA approval to test rapamycin on patients with gum disease, a common age-related issue. The study aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of rapamycin in treating gum disease and potentially other age-related conditions.
Researchers believe that targeting the root cause of diseases like gum disease can have broader implications for overall health. By understanding the biological mechanisms of aging, interventions like rapamycin may help prevent or slow down age-related diseases. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of rapamycin and its optimal dosage and frequency.
In addition to rapamycin, scientists are exploring other drugs and interventions that target biological aging. The XPRIZE Healthspan competition, supported by various funders, is working to accelerate research in this field. Peter Diamandis, founder of XPRIZE, takes rapamycin himself and believes in its potential benefits for longevity. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle alongside interventions like rapamycin to support overall health and longevity.
As research into anti-aging interventions continues, there is hope that targeting the biological mechanisms of aging could lead to significant improvements in healthspan. By understanding how drugs like rapamycin affect aging at a molecular level, scientists aim to develop more effective strategies for promoting healthy aging and longevity.
