Rapamycin and the Dog Aging Project

Summary

Kaeberlein, one of the world's leading aging researchers, covers the ITP rapamycin data, the Dog Aging Project, and the state of human evidence for mTOR inhibition. He argues that rapamycin is the most promising longevity drug currently available and explains why the risk-benefit calculation favours use in healthy adults.

Key Takeaways

• 1

  Rapamycin is the only drug that consistently extends lifespan across multiple species (yeast, worms, flies, mice)

• 2

  ITP data: rapamycin started at 20 months (equivalent to ~60 human years) extends median lifespan by 10–23%

• 3

  The Dog Aging Project is testing rapamycin in companion dogs — first randomised trial in a large mammal

• 4

  At longevity doses (5–8 mg/week), rapamycin's immunosuppressive effects are minimal compared to transplant doses

• 5

  mTOR inhibition promotes autophagy — the cellular 'self-cleaning' process that declines with age

Molecules Discussed

Related Articles