The largest randomized controlled trial of leading longevity drug is underway
13 hours ago
- #aging research
- #rapamycin
- #clinical trial
- A new clinical trial at the University of Arizona is the largest and longest randomized controlled trial of low-dose rapamycin in healthy older adults to date.
- Rapamycin, historically used as an immunosuppressant for transplant patients, is being re-evaluated as a modulator of aging pathways at low doses.
- The trial will involve 720 participants aged 65+ and will administer 8 mg of rapamycin once weekly for two years, followed by one year of follow-up.
- Primary endpoints include transition from pre-frail to frail state and reduction in IL-6 levels to measure impact on aging-related inflammation.
- An extensive biomarker panel will assess epigenetic age, immune function, metabolic health, and physical function.
- Preliminary pharmacokinetic studies in 50 participants confirmed safety, with trough levels below immunosuppressive thresholds and no significant adverse events.
- The trial aims to determine if rapamycin slows biological aging and improves healthspan, addressing long-term safety and heterogeneity of response.