Question 258 of 433
What is rapamycin, and why are people so excited?
The short answer
It is a transplant drug that, at low doses, is the most reliable life-extending compound ever tested in animals.
Rapamycin was discovered in soil from Easter Island. It blocks a protein called mTOR, the cell’s master switch for growth. When mTOR is turned down, cells shift from building to cleaning and repairing. Rapamycin has extended lifespan in yeast, worms, flies, and mice, even when started late in life. That consistency across species is why scientists take it seriously.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST PRECLINICAL — Rapamycin extends lifespan in several model organisms; human longevity benefit is unproven.Evidence grade (draft mapping)DPreclinical / mechanisticPart 18, Q258 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.