2025-06-18T23:00:02Z

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The recent study conducted by researchers at the University of East Anglia and the University of Glasgow has revealed groundbreaking findings about the anti-aging drug rapamycin. This compound, initially developed as an immunosuppressant, appears to have effects on lifespan that are comparable to those achieved through dietary restriction, such as caloric reduction or intermittent fasting. This research brings a new perspective on longevity, which has traditionally hinged on the practice of eating less.

Dietary restriction has long been celebrated as a reliable method to enhance lifespan across various species. While many people find the concept of fasting for extended periods daunting, scientists are exploring alternative options that could help extend life without the discomfort associated with caloric deprivation.

The study titled, "Rapamycin, not metformin, mirrors dietary restriction-driven lifespan extension in vertebrates: a meta-analysis," was published in the journal Aging Cell. It provides substantial evidence that rapamycin has life-extending properties in eight different vertebrate species, though human studies are still pending.

According to Dr. Zahida Sultanova, a co-lead researcher from UEA's School of Biological Sciences, dietary restriction methods like intermittent fasting have been the standard approach for promoting longevity. However, she pointed out the challenge many individuals face in adhering to such diets long-term. The research team was eager to determine if widely discussed anti-aging drugs such as rapamycin and metformin could replicate these benefits without necessitating a decrease in caloric intake.

The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis, reviewing data from 167 studies involving various vertebrate species, including fish, mice, rats, and primates; this makes it one of the largest studies of its kind in the field. They examined how both dietary restrictions and the two drugs impacted longevity. The results were illuminating: rapamycin consistently extended lifespan in a manner similar to that of caloric restriction, whereas metformin, a medication commonly prescribed for Type 2 diabetes, did not show a clear benefit for longevity.

The study’s key findings are particularly noteworthy:

• Dietary restriction, whether through intermittent fasting or reduced caloric intake, reliably increased lifespan across all vertebrate species analyzed.
• Rapamycin’s effects on lifespan were equivalent to those gained from dietary restrictions.
• Metformin did not exhibit any significant longevity benefits, despite its widespread use in managing Type 2 diabetes.
• Both male and female subjects experienced similar lifespan gains, independent of the specific type of dietary restriction implemented.

As the quest for effective interventions to enhance health and longevity continues, rapamycin emerges as a strong candidate. It may offer an alternative pathway for individuals who struggle with long-term caloric restriction while still reaping similar health benefits. Dr. Edward Ivimey-Cook, another co-lead researcher from the University of Glasgow, emphasized that these findings do not imply a blanket recommendation for the use of rapamycin among the general public. Instead, they underscore the need for further exploration into the drug's potential in aging research and longevity therapeutics.

Dr. Sultanova added that drug repurposing, such as the use of rapamycin, represents a promising strategy for enhancing health and lifespan. Both drugs, rapamycin and metformin, are currently undergoing human trials, with results yet to emerge.

It is important to note that there may be negative effects associated with rapamycin, particularly concerning immune system responses. Further investigation into its safety profile in humans is warranted, although preliminary studies suggest that low doses of the drug do not lead to significant adverse effects in healthy individuals. The implications of this research could pave the way for new approaches to aging and health.

For more detailed insights, readers can refer to the study titled "Rapamycin, not metformin, mirrors dietary restriction-driven lifespan extension in vertebrates: a meta-analysis," published in Aging Cell in 2025.