Rapamycin Guide (2026)
Complete Guide & Evidence (2026)
mTOR inhibitor and the most studied longevity drug. FDA-approved immunosuppressant repurposed at low intermittent doses (2-6mg weekly) for anti-aging via.
mTOR Inhibition: The Core Mechanism
mTORC1 Inhibition
Blocks nutrient-sensing mTOR complex 1. Triggers autophagy (cellular self-cleaning). Reduces protein synthesis — extends cell lifespan
Caloric Restriction Mimetic
Mimics CR signaling without eating less. Upregulates AMPK-like stress response pathways. Reduces IGF-1 and insulin signaling
Senolytic Properties
Reduces senescent (zombie) cell burden. Slows SASP (senescence-associated secretory phenotype). Synergistic with senolytics like fisetin
Key Research Findings
Median lifespan increase in NIA ITP mouse studies — even when started at ~65 human-equivalent age.
Most common pulsed weekly dose used in longevity protocols with physician oversight.
Time to peak autophagy upregulation after a single rapamycin dose in animal models.
Pulsed Rapamycin Protocol
Key insight: Pulsed dosing (weekly) achieves mTOR inhibition with far less immunosuppression than daily dosing. GFJ (grapefruit juice) co-ingestion can potentiate absorption 2–3×. Always use under physician supervision with regular bloodwork.
Rapamycin Research Timeline
FDA approved sirolimus (rapamycin) for kidney transplant rejection prevention.
NIA ITP study: rapamycin extends lifespan in mice even when started late in life.
Human studies in healthy elderly: rapamycin improves immune response to flu vaccine.
PEARL trial (2024–2026) studying rapamycin safety/efficacy for healthy aging in humans.
Vital Protocol FAQs
What is rapamycin and how does it work for longevity?
Rapamycin (sirolimus) is an mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) inhibitor originally developed as an immunosuppressant for organ transplants. For longevity, it works by inhibiting mTORC1, the cellu
What is the longevity dose of rapamycin?
The most widely used longevity protocol is pulsed weekly dosing at 5–10 mg once per week (not daily). This protocol — popularized by researchers like Dr. Matt Kaeberlein and Dr. Peter Attia — achieves
Has rapamycin extended lifespan in animals?
Yes — rapamycin is one of the most reproducible lifespan-extending interventions in animals. In the NIA Interventions Testing Program (ITP), rapamycin extended median lifespan in mice by 9–14% even wh
What are the risks of rapamycin for longevity use?
The primary concerns with rapamycin at longevity doses include: immune suppression (increases infection risk), impaired wound healing, metabolic effects (potential glucose intolerance at higher doses)
Guide FAQs
mTOR inhibitor and the most studied longevity drug. FDA-approved immunosuppressant repurposed at low intermittent doses (2-6mg weekly) for anti-aging via.
Yes. Shotlee supports tracking Rapamycin doses, side effects, and health metrics. It is free to use.
References
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