longevitywatch
TopicsWhat worksAbout
Home › Medication
Medication

Rapamycin

Rapamycin (sirolimus) is a drug that inhibits the protein mTOR, a central switch for growth and aging. In animals it extends lifespan, making it one of the most discussed longevity agents.

Rapamycin at a glance

In animalsExtends lifespanModerate
In humansNot yet provenPreliminary
MechanismInhibits mTOR
UseOff-label, only under supervision
64 studies11 answersupdated Oct 2026
All questions and research on rapamycin →Rapamycin: news and checked claims in your inbox →
Evidence per claim
Not yet proven for healthy longevity in humans
View evidence →
Preliminary
Works via mTOR, a key route in aging
View evidence →
Moderate
Stimulates autophagy
View evidence →
Preliminary
As uncertain as other candidates such as spermidine
View evidence →
Preliminary
Practical use

For whom

Mainly of interest for research and people following it experimentally through a doctor.

Not for whom

Not meant for self-experiment; there are real side effects and risks.

Usual dose

No proven anti-aging dose in humans; only under medical supervision.

Key caveats

Suppresses the immune system at higher doses; long-term safety in healthy people is unknown.

What we know, and don't

Known

Extends lifespan in several animal species
Inhibits mTOR, a central aging route
Is being seriously studied in humans

Not yet

Whether it extends life in healthy people
The safe dose and frequency
The long-term effects
Common misconceptions
"Rapamycin is a proven anti-aging pill."
Not shown. In humans that is not yet shown.Strong evidence
"It is harmless to try yourself."
False. There are real side effects; only under supervision.Strong evidence
Latest news on rapamycin
Rapamycin may boost brain blood flow in APOE4 carriers, study suggests7 NovRapamycin works differently across tissues and ages2 OctMuscle protein brakes growth via mTOR pathway31 JulA company claims their supplement mix outlives rapamycin in mice, here’s why that needs scrutiny1 MayRapamycin may blunt the benefits of exercise in older people23 Apr
Heard on podcasts

What popular health podcasts claimed about rapamycin, checked against the research.

Dave AspreyPartly
“Rapamycin slows wound healing.”
What the research says →
Dave AspreyPartly
“Rapamycin extends the lifespan of mice by about 25%, even when treatment is started at an advanced age.”
What the research says →
Dave AspreyPartly
“Continuous use of rapamycin can disrupt metabolism and lead to insulin resistance and blood sugar problems.”
What the research says →
Rapamycin: what's new, and what holds up

We follow the latest research on rapamycin and listen to leading health podcasts, and we check what they claim. You'll get one email on Thursdays with what matters, and only when there's something new.

You can add more topics later, such as exercise or sleep.

Related topics
Related
AutophagyNMN / NAD+Metformin