Anti-Aging Drug Shows Promising Early Results

A recent study found minimal metabolic side effects for an anti-aging drug that previously was shown to extend the lifespan of mice.

The metabolic consequences of encapsulated rapamycin were evaluated during the long term treatment of a marmoset model.

The results of the study, published in the journal Aging, led to a new research grant of $2.7 million that was awarded to the Barhop Institute and SNPRC by the National Institute on Aging to analyze the efficiency and lifespan of the drug.

The study is the first to examine the metabolic consequences of rapamycin dosing in healthy, non-human primates. Beyond metabolic function, investigators noted encapsulated rapamycin was well tolerated in primates.

"This initial study with marmosets as a model for human aging has allowed us to evaluate the efficacy of a new intervention treatment that looked promising in other animal model species for both health span and lifespan extension," said lead author Corinna Ross.

"The results are encouraging," added co-investigator Suzette Tardif. "Marmosets also offer a unique non-human primate model that will allow us to further evaluate not just the safety but the effectiveness of treatment with rapamycin."

To further gain information a new study will be held next month and will be led by Principal Investigator Adam Salmon.

"These studies will provide an important step towards translational approaches to delay age-related disease and improve healthy aging in humans by means of pharmaceutical inhibition of mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin)," he said.