Antibiotic rapamycin may help slow aging: Study

A new animal study has revealed that the drug rapamycin, approved for use about 15 years ago, might help in the process of slow aging.

The drug was earlier used as an antibiotic and immunosuppressant has drawn extensive interest for its apparent ability to emulate the ability of dietary restriction in helping animals to live both longer and healthier, which could eventually help humans.

However, this medication has some drawbacks, including an increase in insulin resistance that could set the stage for diabetes but the new findings also suggest that the combination of rapamycin and another drug to offset that increase in insulin resistance might provide the benefits of this medication without the unwanted side effect.

Viviana Perez, PhD said that it could provide a way not only to increase lifespan but to address some age-related diseases as well as improve general health and they might find a way for people to not only live longer but to live better and with a higher quality of life.

The researchers suggested that if the research proves correct then the combined use of metformin and rapamycin for treating aging and age-associated diseases in humans might be possible.

The study is published in The Journals of Gerontology.