A large-scale analysis has shown that taking the immunosuppressant rapamycin can effectively slow aging by reducing food intake.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia reported that in their comprehensive analysis of lifespan extension experiments involving eight vertebrate species including mice, fish, and monkeys, rapamycin, an immunosuppressant, demonstrated lifespan extension effects comparable to calorie restriction. The study was published in the international journal "Aging Cell" on the 18th.
Scientists have been researching whether dietary control, exercise, and medications can reduce health issues related to aging and extend lifespan. Among them, a diet that limits calorie intake while fulfilling essential nutrients has shown to extend the lifespan of animals by up to 40%. However, since long-term dietary restriction is realistically difficult, research has been conducted to see if it can be replaced with medication.
In this study, the researchers analyzed a total of 167 existing experimental results. They observed lifespan extension effects across various animal species excluding humans, finding that not only reducing food intake but also eating only during certain periods, similar to intermittent fasting, had lifespan extension effects.
In particular, rapamycin, developed as an immunosuppressant to prevent organ transplant rejection, was found to have effects similar to food intake restriction. Earlier studies showed that using rapamycin in conjunction with cancer treatments increased the lifespan of rats by approximately 30%. In contrast, the effects of metformin, a drug known for extending lifespan and used for treating type 2 diabetes, were not distinctly observed.
Rapamycin was first discovered in the soil bacteria of Easter Island, famous for its massive stone heads, in the 1970s. It is known to prolong lifespan by inhibiting cellular signaling pathways related to aging. Already confirmed for safety as an immunosuppressant, it also has the advantage of being inexpensive due to its expired patent.
However, the researchers noted that caution is still needed when using rapamycin for anti-aging purposes. Zahida Sultanova, a researcher at the University of East Anglia, stated, "High doses of rapamycin can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infections," and added, "In animal experiments, it has also been shown to affect reproductive function."
Matt Kaeberlein, a leading authority in aging research and a professor at the University of Washington, said, "While these results are intriguing, people should not yet take medications to stop aging or restrict calorie intake," noting that this could lead to side effects like muscle weakening or mental health issues. He continued, "More research is needed to determine what methods are effective for whom," explaining that effects observed in short-lived organisms tend to be more pronounced than those in long-lived organisms.
References
Aging Cell (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.70131