Why This Matters to Us:
As longevity enthusiasts, maintaining muscle strength and independence as we age is crucial. After age 40, we lose about 1% of muscle mass yearly, which affects not just mobility but overall quality of life and survival. While exercise helps, finding medications that could slow or reverse muscle loss could be game-changing for healthy ageing. Rapamycin, already known to extend lifespan in mice by up to 60%, could be that breakthrough.
The Detail:
A new clinical trial led by Dr Brad Stanfield and Dr Matt Kaeberlein is investigating whether rapamycin can help older adults maintain strength and endurance. This double-blind, randomised study will give participants either 6 mg of rapamycin or a placebo weekly.
The study's primary measurement is surprisingly simple but effective: counting how many times participants can stand up from and sit down on a chair in 30 seconds. This test is a reliable indicator of lower body strength and fall risk in older adults. Additionally, participants will complete a 6-minute walking test to measure endurance and undergo grip strength testing, which is a known predictor of longevity.
To understand how rapamycin affects overall health, researchers will measure various blood markers. These include kidney and liver function, blood glucose levels, cholesterol, hormone levels (IGF-1), and inflammation (hs-CRP). They'll also analyse DNA methylation to determine biological age. Quality of life will be assessed through a comprehensive 36-question survey.
The science behind using rapamycin is fascinating. It works by inhibiting a protein complex called mTORC1, which acts like a nutrient sensor in our cells. As we age, mTORC1 often becomes overactive, contributing to various age-related diseases. The researchers hypothesise that rapamycin might prevent muscle loss by improving autophagy - our cells' natural cleaning system that removes damaged components.
Previous research has shown promising results. Rapamycin has improved bone and heart health in mice, while rats showed increased grip strength and better running ability. A recent pilot study even suggested it could increase muscle mass in older women. The current trial combines rapamycin with exercise, hoping for a synergistic effect on muscle preservation or growth.
The study, funded through Dr Stanfield's supplement sales and Vitasang (a life sciences company), has completed recruitment. Data collection should finish by January 2025, with peer-reviewed results expected by 2026, though preliminary findings might appear earlier on Dr Stanfield's YouTube channel.
This research could mark a significant step forward in understanding how we might use rapamycin - currently FDA-approved for preventing organ rejection and treating certain cancers - as a tool for healthy ageing. If successful, it could offer a new approach to maintaining strength and independence as we age, particularly when combined with regular exercise.