Study: Rapamycin Appears to Extend Life in Rodents

A new study suggests that rapamycin, a drug that mimics the effects of diet, may extend life, similar to caloric restriction, at least in experimental animals.

Scientists from the University of East Anglia investigated whether drugs such as rapamycin and metformin can offer the same benefits as dietary restriction. Rapamycin, discovered in bacteria in the soil of Easter Island, is used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation.

The researchers compared three methods for extending life expectancy: caloric restriction and administration of rapamycin or metformin. Caloric restriction was the most effective, followed closely by rapamycin, while metformin did not show clear benefits.

The researchers point out that there are variations from experiment to experiment, and that rapamycin may have side effects. They are examining mild doses of rapamycin to see if they can offer the benefits without side effects. In a human trial, low doses of rapamycin showed positive effects on health indicators.

Metformin is a synthetic derivative of a substance contained in galegine, a natural component of French Lilac and is widely used to control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.