Longevity small molecule
Rapamycin (sirolimus) is an FDA-approved mTOR inhibitor (marketed as Rapamune) used to prevent organ transplant rejection and to treat lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). It is the most discussed longevity therapeutic in the biohacking community, based on robust lifespan extension in mice and emerging human translational data. Off-label use for aging is not approved and remains scientifically and ethically controversial.
Track clinical and preclinical evidence, regulatory status, and public claims. Do not publish dosing, sourcing, or treatment instructions. Separate NIA ITP mouse data from human clinical evidence.
FDA-approved as Rapamune (sirolimus) for prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney transplant patients and for treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).
NIA Interventions Testing Program (ITP) showed rapamycin extends lifespan in genetically heterogeneous mice, even when treatment begins late in life (Harrison et al., Nature 2009; replicated 2020).
A small randomized, placebo-controlled human trial showed that low-dose rapamycin analog (everolimus) improved immune response to influenza vaccine in older adults (Mannick et al., 2014), but no human lifespan data exists.
High consumer attention: rapamycin is discussed as the leading longevity therapeutic by Peter Attia (Outlive, 2023) and Bryan Johnson (Blueprint), driving significant off-label interest.
Off-label use for aging is not FDA-approved and remains controversial due to known adverse effects (immunosuppression, hyperlipidemia, impaired wound healing) at transplant doses; low-dose intermittent dosing is widely debated in biohacking communities but lacks consensus clinical evidence.
Evidence level: Primary regulatory
Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Cite the FDA-approved label directly. Do not imply that approval for transplant/LAM extends to aging — it does not.
Evidence level: Peer reviewed
Sources: Nature / NIA Interventions Testing Program, Nature Communications / NIA Interventions Testing Program
Cite the NIA ITP studies (Harrison 2009; repeat 2020). State clearly that mouse lifespan data does not establish human longevity benefit.
Evidence level: Peer reviewed
Sources: Science Translational Medicine
This is the strongest human translational signal, but it is a biomarker endpoint (vaccine response), not a lifespan outcome. Do not inflate.
Evidence level: Community discussion
Sources: Harmony / Penguin Random House (Peter Attia, MD), Blueprint by Bryan Johnson, National Council on Aging (NCA) / scientific conference
Track as media/attention signals. High-profile discussion does not substitute for clinical evidence. The self-reported rapamycin survey (NCA 2023) is not a controlled study.
Source records are stored in the repo and linked from each claim.
FDA-approved prescribing label for Rapamune (sirolimus), indicated for prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney transplant patients and for the treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).
Landmark NIA Interventions Testing Program (ITP) study showing that rapamycin, fed beginning at 600 days of age, significantly extended lifespan in genetically heterogeneous mice (both sexes).
Multi-site replication confirming lifespan extension by rapamycin across genetically diverse mouse populations, supporting the robustness of the original ITP finding.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Mannick et al.) showing that low-dose rapamycin analog (everolimus) improved immune response to influenza vaccine in older adults, providing early human translational evidence.
ClinicalTrials.gov search showing active and completed interventional trials of rapamycin in aging and age-related conditions in human subjects.
Bestselling longevity book by Peter Attia, MD, which discusses rapamycin as a candidate longevity therapeutic while noting the gap between mouse data and human clinical evidence.
Bryan Johnson's public Blueprint longevity program, which has discussed and at times included rapamycin. Tracked as a high-attention consumer signal.
Survey-based study reporting that a cohort of adults self-administering low-dose rapamycin for longevity showed self-reported tolerability, generating significant biohacking community interest.
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