How a drug for transplant patients became known for anti-aging effect - The Washington Post

The Nugget

Rapamycin, originally a drug for transplant patients, has gained popularity as an anti-aging treatment based on animal studies, despite lacking evidence for its effectiveness in extending human life.

Key quotes

"The drug can dial down the signal to grow, causing cells to clear out accumulated junk and allowing them to run more efficiently."
"More than two dozen medical practices prescribe rapamycin as an anti-aging treatment, and telehealth companies are bringing it to thousands of patients nationally."
"Rapamycin was collected from the soil of Easter Island in the 1960s, eventually gaining FDA approval to help transplant patients tolerate new organs."
"Some physicians and researchers believe rapamycin can increase human lifespan if taken intermittently and in low doses, similar to animal trials."
"Rapamycin's potential as an anti-aging drug is seen as compelling by some, but caution is advised due to potential side effects like reproductive harm and insulin resistance."

Rapamycin, initially intended for transplant patients, has garnered attention for its speculated anti-aging benefits following animal studies.
Despite lacking conclusive evidence for human longevity, the drug has been embraced by various medical practices and telehealth services for off-label use.
The drug's origins from Easter Island and unique cellular effects have contributed to its appeal in the realm of longevity medicine.

While some believe that rapamycin could potentially extend human lifespan based on animal studies, others, including prominent scientists and physicians, emphasize the need for caution.
Concerns over the lack of established optimal dosages for humans, potential side effects, and the differences in drug tolerance between animals and humans arise in discussions about using rapamycin for anti-aging purposes.

The commercialization of rapamycin for longevity purposes is evident in telehealth services like Healthspan, which market the drug for both longevity and cosmetic applications.
Influential figures in longevity medicine, such as Dr. Peter Attia and Bryan Johnson, have played significant roles in popularizing rapamycin as a potential tool for extending healthspan.
Despite the growing interest in rapamycin as an anti-aging drug, medical professionals like Dr. Eric Verdin stress that it should not be viewed as a standalone substitute for healthy lifestyle practices.

🧬 Rapamycin's cellular effects: Rapamycin dials down signals for cell growth, aiding in clearing out cellular waste and improving efficiency.
🌿 Easter Island origins: Rapamycin's journey from the remote Easter Island to an FDA-approved transplant drug highlights its unique history.
💊 Divergent opinions: While some see rapamycin as a promising longevity drug, caution is advised due to potential side effects and uncertainties in human dosage.
📈 Commercialization and influencers: Telehealth services and influential figures like Dr. Peter Attia have contributed to the widespread marketing and adoption of rapamycin for anti-aging purposes.

This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.