Evaluation of off-label rapamycin use to promote healthspan in 333 adults

Rapamycin (sirolimus) is an FDA-approved drug with immune-modulating and growth-inhibitory properties. Preclinical studies have shown that rapamycin extends lifespan and healthspan metrics in yeast, invertebrates, and rodents. Several physicians are now prescribing rapamycin off-label as a preventative therapy to maintain healthspan. Thus far, however, there is limited data available on side effects or efficacy associated with use of rapamycin in this context. To begin to address this gap in knowledge, we collected data from 333 adults with a history of off-label use of rapamycin by survey. Similar data were also collected from 172 adults who had never used rapamycin. Here, we describe the general characteristics of a patient cohort using off-label rapamycin and present initial evidence that rapamycin can be used safely in adults of normal health status.

Automated summary

Rapamycin, an FDA-approved drug, has been shown in preclinical studies to extend lifespan and healthspan in various organisms. Some physicians are prescribing it off-label for preventative therapy, but there is limited data on its side effects or efficacy in this context. In this study, data was collected from adults who have used rapamycin off-label and compared to a group who have never used it, suggesting that rapamycin can be safely used in adults of normal health status.