Do longevity drugs work?
As elixirs of life go, long-term fasting is a surprising candidate. Yet it seems to work. Experiments on species from nematode worms to rhesus monkeys show that near-starvation prolongs lifespan. And, though no long-term experiment has been conducted to prove the same is true in Homo sapiens, short-term ones suggest similar physiological changes happen. PREMIUM Both rapamycin and metformin have drawn the attention of the 'live for ever' brigade because they inhibit what is known as the mTOR pathway (indeed, mTOR stands for 'mechanistic target of rapamycin')(Representational image)
Mysteriously, however, most people are loth to trade three square meals a day in the here and now for the promise of a longer retirement, so the search has been on for chemical alternatives to fasting. Two molecules in particular have attracted attention: rapamycin, an immunosuppressant used to stop the rejection of transplanted kidneys, and metformin, an anti-diabetes drug. June 19th saw the publication of a paper summarising the evidence of their effectiveness in animals, compared with fasting.
Both rapamycin and metformin have drawn the attention of the 'live for ever' brigade because they inhibit what is known as the mTOR pathway (indeed, mTOR stands for 'mechanistic target of rapamycin'). Overactivation of this in old age is associated with hallmarks of ageing such as inflammation. Conversely, fasting suppresses mTOR activity. That promotes autophagy, a phenomenon in which cells clear out their accumulated crud, which is reckoned lifespan-enhancing. Moreover, both substances also have the advantages of having undergone safety trials as part of approval for their on-label uses, and of being off-patent, and therefore cheap.
Being off-patent, however, cuts both ways. It means commercial sponsors for human clinical trials are hard to find, since they cannot monopolise sales. As a result the Targeting Ageing with Metformin (TAME) trial, a proposal sponsored by the American Federation for Aging Research, a charity, and approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2015, remains in abeyance for lack of funds. Rapamycin, by contrast, has been tested in what is known as the PEARL (Participatory Evaluation of Ageing with Rapamycin for Longevity) trial, which began in July 2020. But this found no strong evidence that it worked.
Animal tests have proved more definitive. The new paper, published in Aging Cell by Edward Ivimey-Cook of Glasgow University and his colleagues, gathers all the vertebrate-trial evidence that the authors could find. This amounts to 167 studies on eight species, ranging from fish to monkeys. The answers seem clear-cut. To no one's surprise, calorie restriction works. So, to a pretty-much equal extent, does rapamycin. But metformin does not.
That is a blow to those, their number unknown but probably amounting to thousands, who have twisted their doctors' arms to get an off-label prescription of it for life extension. But it is a boost to those who have opted for rapamycin. These include Vinod Khosla, one of Silicon Valley's best-known venture capitalists, and, until recently, Bryan Johnson, another Californian techie, who has made a second career out of his quest for immortality. Mr Johnson, however, dropped rapamycin in 2024 because of its side-effects (abnormal lipid and glucose levels, elevated heart rate and increased risk of skin infection).
All of which is interesting. But for mere mortals who want a long and healthy life without the risk of rapamycin's side-effects the advice remains the same: eat wisely, drink moderately, exercise regularly, sleep well. And stub that cigarette out.
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Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Do longevity drugs work?
As elixirs of life go, long-term fasting is a surprising candidate. Yet it seems to work. Experiments on species from nematode worms to rhesus monkeys show that near-starvation prolongs lifespan. And, though no long-term experiment has been conducted to prove the same is true in Homo sapiens, short-term ones suggest similar physiological changes happen. PREMIUM Both rapamycin and metformin have drawn the attention of the 'live for ever' brigade because they inhibit what is known as the mTOR pathway (indeed, mTOR stands for 'mechanistic target of rapamycin')(Representational image) Mysteriously, however, most people are loth to trade three square meals a day in the here and now for the promise of a longer retirement, so the search has been on for chemical alternatives to fasting. Two molecules in particular have attracted attention: rapamycin, an immunosuppressant used to stop the rejection of transplanted kidneys, and metformin, an anti-diabetes drug. June 19th saw the publication of a paper summarising the evidence of their effectiveness in animals, compared with fasting. Both rapamycin and metformin have drawn the attention of the 'live for ever' brigade because they inhibit what is known as the mTOR pathway (indeed, mTOR stands for 'mechanistic target of rapamycin'). Overactivation of this in old age is associated with hallmarks of ageing such as inflammation. Conversely, fasting suppresses mTOR activity. That promotes autophagy, a phenomenon in which cells clear out their accumulated crud, which is reckoned lifespan-enhancing. Moreover, both substances also have the advantages of having undergone safety trials as part of approval for their on-label uses, and of being off-patent, and therefore cheap. Being off-patent, however, cuts both ways. It means commercial sponsors for human clinical trials are hard to find, since they cannot monopolise sales. As a result the Targeting Ageing with Metformin (TAME) trial, a proposal sponsored by the American Federation for Aging Research, a charity, and approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2015, remains in abeyance for lack of funds. Rapamycin, by contrast, has been tested in what is known as the PEARL (Participatory Evaluation of Ageing with Rapamycin for Longevity) trial, which began in July 2020. But this found no strong evidence that it worked. Animal tests have proved more definitive. The new paper, published in Aging Cell by Edward Ivimey-Cook of Glasgow University and his colleagues, gathers all the vertebrate-trial evidence that the authors could find. This amounts to 167 studies on eight species, ranging from fish to monkeys. The answers seem clear-cut. To no one's surprise, calorie restriction works. So, to a pretty-much equal extent, does rapamycin. But metformin does not. That is a blow to those, their number unknown but probably amounting to thousands, who have twisted their doctors' arms to get an off-label prescription of it for life extension. But it is a boost to those who have opted for rapamycin. These include Vinod Khosla, one of Silicon Valley's best-known venture capitalists, and, until recently, Bryan Johnson, another Californian techie, who has made a second career out of his quest for immortality. Mr Johnson, however, dropped rapamycin in 2024 because of its side-effects (abnormal lipid and glucose levels, elevated heart rate and increased risk of skin infection). All of which is interesting. But for mere mortals who want a long and healthy life without the risk of rapamycin's side-effects the advice remains the same: eat wisely, drink moderately, exercise regularly, sleep well. And stub that cigarette out. Curious about the world? To enjoy our mind-expanding science coverage, sign up to Simply Science, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Scientists may have found a way to extend lifespan without strict dieting; here's what the research shows
For centuries, humanity has pursued the secret to a longer life through alchemy, mythology, and, more recently, science. While the philosopher's stone remains a myth, researchers have discovered a reliable method to extend lifespan in animals: eating less. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Known as dietary restriction , this practice triggers biological mechanisms that slow aging and improve longevity. However, strict dieting is difficult and unsustainable for many. The pressing question now is whether we can replicate these benefits without giving up the joy of food. Could science develop treatments that mimic the effects of calorie restriction, offering a longer, healthier life—without constant hunger? Can a pill help you live longer without dieting? Science says maybe In the last decade, researchers have studied molecules that imitate the biological impacts of eating less. Two of the most researched compounds are rapamycin and metformin. These compounds hold the promise of increasing lifespan without the physiological and psychological strain of constant dieting. A new study led by researchers in the compared the impact of these drugs to that of dietary restriction. The findings were illuminating rapamycin showed life-extending effects nearly as consistent as eating less, while metformin did not produce the same longevity benefits. Why eating less works so well Dietary restriction has been the gold standard of anti-ageing research, when researchers first learned that laboratory rats fed a lower-calorie diet lived longer than their normally fed counterparts. Since then, many more have established that consuming fewer calories through portion control or intermittent fasting is able to extend life in a range of different species. Nonetheless, strict dieting is hard to keep to, and too much restriction will cause harm to one's health. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That is why scientists are keen to discover alternatives that provide the same benefits with fewer drawbacks. How Rapamycin and Metformin became anti-aging contenders Rapamycin, which was initially identified in Easter Island soil in the 1970s, is a potent immunosuppressant drug utilised to suppress organ transplant rejection. Its anti-aging applications result from its capacity to inhibit a primary molecular switch (mTOR) that informs cells that nutrients are abundant. By suppressing this message, rapamycin mimics the action of dietary deprivation at the cell level. Actually, a combination of rapamycin with another medication, trametinib, has been found to further prolong the lifespan of mice. Metformin is a compound found in the French lilac plant that is commonly prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Like rapamycin, it targets the body's nutrient-sensing mechanisms. With its extensive record of safety and widespread use, it's been a potential life-extending candidate. Yet the review of 167 studies involving eight vertebrate animals—from fish to rats—found no persistent evidence that metformin prolonged lifespan. This would indicate it might not be able to deliver all the benefits of dietary restriction, at least singly. Which works best: Eating less or taking a pill? Three interventions in the research: Dietary restriction (reducing intake) Rapamycin Metformin And the results were unequivocal: Dietary restriction is still the most persistent way to increase lifespan. Rapamycin stands close second, with promising results in several species and both sexes. Metformin, as it happens, failed to produce consistent benefits. According to the research, this places rapamycin among the most exciting leads in the quest for effective anti-ageing treatments. The future of aging is promising—but still experimental Though aging is not a disease, it is the main risk factor for most chronic diseases, such as cancer, dementia, and cardiovascular disease. Slowing aging—albeit modestly—may result in healthier longer lives and lower healthcare expenditures, particularly as populations globally become older. All that said, some cautionary results should be noted. A few studies actually indicated shortened lifespan with rapamycin or dietary restriction. And the majority of studies have been conducted in lab animals not humans. Co-lead researcher Dr. Edward Ivimey-Cook from the University of Glasgow emphasized, 'While our findings don't advocate for widespread Rapamycin use just yet, they do reinforce the need for continued research into its potential for promoting healthy aging . This also opens up broader conversations around the development of longevity-focused treatments.' Supporting this view, Dr. Sultanova noted, 'Our results highlight drug repurposing as a promising strategy for enhancing both healthspan and lifespan.' Both Rapamycin and Metformin are currently undergoing human clinical trials, with definitive results yet to be released. *Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice. While current research on drugs like rapamycin and metformin shows potential in extending lifespan in animal models, these findings are NOT yet conclusive for humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any medical treatment or lifestyle change related to longevity or disease prevention. Also Read |
Mint
2 days ago
- Mint
Do longevity drugs work?
As elixirs of life go, long-term fasting is a surprising candidate. Yet it seems to work. Experiments on species from nematode worms to rhesus monkeys show that near-starvation prolongs lifespan. And, though no long-term experiment has been conducted to prove the same is true in Homo sapiens, short-term ones suggest similar physiological changes happen. Mysteriously, however, most people are loth to trade three square meals a day in the here and now for the promise of a longer retirement, so the search has been on for chemical alternatives to fasting. Two molecules in particular have attracted attention: rapamycin, an immunosuppressant used to stop the rejection of transplanted kidneys, and metformin, an anti-diabetes drug. June 19th saw the publication of a paper summarising the evidence of their effectiveness in animals, compared with fasting. Both rapamycin and metformin have drawn the attention of the 'live for ever" brigade because they inhibit what is known as the mTOR pathway (indeed, mTOR stands for 'mechanistic target of rapamycin"). Overactivation of this in old age is associated with hallmarks of ageing such as inflammation. Conversely, fasting suppresses mTOR activity. That promotes autophagy, a phenomenon in which cells clear out their accumulated crud, which is reckoned lifespan-enhancing. Moreover, both substances also have the advantages of having undergone safety trials as part of approval for their on-label uses, and of being off-patent, and therefore cheap. Being off-patent, however, cuts both ways. It means commercial sponsors for human clinical trials are hard to find, since they cannot monopolise sales. As a result the Targeting Ageing with Metformin (TAME) trial, a proposal sponsored by the American Federation for Aging Research, a charity, and approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2015, remains in abeyance for lack of funds. Rapamycin, by contrast, has been tested in what is known as the PEARL (Participatory Evaluation of Ageing with Rapamycin for Longevity) trial, which began in July 2020. But this found no strong evidence that it worked. Animal tests have proved more definitive. The new paper, published in Aging Cell by Edward Ivimey-Cook of Glasgow University and his colleagues, gathers all the vertebrate-trial evidence that the authors could find. This amounts to 167 studies on eight species, ranging from fish to monkeys. The answers seem clear-cut. To no one's surprise, calorie restriction works. So, to a pretty-much equal extent, does rapamycin. But metformin does not. That is a blow to those, their number unknown but probably amounting to thousands, who have twisted their doctors' arms to get an off-label prescription of it for life extension. But it is a boost to those who have opted for rapamycin. These include Vinod Khosla, one of Silicon Valley's best-known venture capitalists, and, until recently, Bryan Johnson, another Californian techie, who has made a second career out of his quest for immortality. Mr Johnson, however, dropped rapamycin in 2024 because of its side-effects (abnormal lipid and glucose levels, elevated heart rate and increased risk of skin infection). All of which is interesting. But for mere mortals who want a long and healthy life without the risk of rapamycin's side-effects the advice remains the same: eat wisely, drink moderately, exercise regularly, sleep well. And stub that cigarette out. Curious about the world? To enjoy our mind-expanding science coverage, sign up to Simply Science, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter. © 2025, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on
