Low-dose rapamycin shows promise for improving HealthSpan in older adults

Low-dose rapamycin shows promise for improving HealthSpan in older adults

A new research paper was published inAging (Aging-US)Volume 17, Issue 4 on April 4, 2025, entitled “Impact of Rapamycin on Safety and HealthSpan Metrics at One Year: Pearl Trial Results.”

A research team led by first author Mauricio Moel and corresponding author Stefanie L. Morgan of AgelessRX conducted a clinical trial to determine whether low-dose, intermittent rapamycin can safely improve HealthSpan in older adults. The results suggest that rapamycin may provide measurable benefits to physical function and overall well-being, reinforcing its potential as a safe intervention to support healthy aging.

Aging remains the leading cause of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and dementia. While medical advances have extended lifespans, many people still experience declining health and reduced mobility in their later years. This growing gap between lifespan and HealthSpan has sparked interest in therapies that target aging. Rapamycin, an FDA-approved drug originally used in transplant medicine, has drawn attention to its ability to influence aging-related pathways in animal studies. Until recently, its safety and benefits in healthy human populations were largely unknown.

The Pearl study is the longest study to date to examine rapamycin's use for longevity in healthy aging adults. Researchers followed 114 participants ages 50 to 85 weeks for 48 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Participants received either a placebo or 5 mg or 10 mg of rapamycin once per week. The main aim of the study was to measure changes in visceral fat, while secondary outcomes included lean muscle mass, blood markers and quality of life assessments.

The study found that low-dose rapamycin was safe and well tolerated, with serious side effects reported at similar rates across groups. The most common minor problem among rapamycin users was mild gastrointestinal discomfort. While no significant reductions in visceral fat were observed, women who took 10 mg of rapamycin showed significant gains in stomach muscle and reported reduced pain. Additionally, participants taking 5 mg weekly reported improvements in emotional well-being and overall health as measured by validated surveys.

“Our results provide evidence that these rapamycin regimens are well tolerated for at least one year in normative aging individuals with minimal adverse effects.”

Researchers noted some limitations, including the relatively small and health-conscious group of participants, which may have limited the ability to detect larger effects. The compound form of rapamycin used also had lower absorption than commercial versions, potentially reducing its impact.

Overall, the PEARL study provides early clinical evidence that low-dose rapamycin may help support physical and emotional well-being in older adults. Further studies with larger and more diverse populations will be essential to confirm the study results and refine dosing strategies for broader use.

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