The Surprising Effects of Rapamycin on Aging: A Cautionary Tale

For the past four years, I have been working with a team of medical professionals to build the world's best health protocol. In this journey, I decided to try one of the most promising experimental drugs for slowing down aging: rapamycin. However, what I discovered was quite the opposite; it appeared that I was actually accelerating my aging process. Here’s what happened.

What is Rapamycin?

Rapamycin, first discovered in the 1960s from a soil sample in a cave on Easter Island, was initially noted for its powerful antifungal properties. Researchers later identified it as an immunosuppressant, which led to its approval by the FDA in 1999 for use in organ transplant patients. The goal was to prevent the immune system from rejecting the transplanted organ.

Rapamycin’s Link to Longevity

The connection between rapamycin and longevity wasn’t made until 2009, when studies on older mice showed that it increased their lifespan significantly—by 14% in females and 9% in males. Further research indicated even more impressive results when rapamycin was combined with other drugs. However, caution was warranted given the significant side effects observed in organ transplant patients, which included metabolic disruptions and impaired wound healing.

How Rapamycin Works

Rapamycin’s potential for longevity lies in its ability to inhibit a growth pathway called mTORC1, which is linked to many age-related diseases. Naturally inhibiting mTORC1 can be achieved through caloric restriction, fasting, and exercise. Rapamycin directly inhibits mTORC1, but it also affects mTORC2, leading to various side effects.

The Protocol I Followed

To assess the impact of rapamycin on my biological age and overall health, I undertook various dosing protocols. We experimented with different dosages, monitoring my blood levels and side effects. Despite the potential benefits, I encountered several side effects, including cankers, slow wound healing, cholesterol disruptions, and an increased resting heart rate—a critical biomarker for my sleep quality.

Reevaluating Rapamycin

After several years of experiencing these side effects, we decided to discontinue rapamycin to see if my health markers would improve. Following its cessation, my blood glucose levels normalized, cholesterol corrected, and soft tissue infections resolved. This led us to worry about the long-term implications of suppressing my immune system and the possible increased risk of cancer.

The Irony of Aging

On October 27th, news emerged from a preprint study indicating that rapamycin may actually accelerate biological aging in humans across various epigenetic clocks. This revelation was ironic, considering I had taken the drug with the intention of slowing my aging process.

Conclusion

In light of these findings, it’s crucial to approach new health interventions with caution and skepticism. While rapamycin may have potential benefits, my experience underscores the importance of continuous research and data evaluation. The goal is to share these experiences—both successes and failures—so that collectively, we can improve our understanding of what truly affects our aging process.