Unproven Anti-Aging Drug Rapamycin Gains Popularity Despite Limited Human Evidence
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Rapamycin is an unproven but popular anti-aging drug, with a growing following based on animal studies showing it may promote longevity. However, there is no evidence it extends human life.
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The FDA is unlikely to ever approve rapamycin for anti-aging purposes since aging is not considered a disease. So doctors are prescribing it off-label to thousands of patients.
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Rapamycin gained attention after a 2009 study showed it extended lifespan in mice. But experts remain divided on its potential as a human longevity drug due to limited data.
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Prices for rapamycin vary widely but some providers offer a typical dose for as little as $10 a week. However, optimal dosing for humans is unknown and side effects are possible.
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The enthusiasm for rapamycin mirrors the rise of longevity medicine overall, with high-profile advocates and companies bringing it mainstream despite a lack of rigorous human trials.