Guides · Rapamycin for longevity

Rapamycin for longevity: what human studies show, and the risks

Rapamycin (sirolimus) is a prescription immunosuppressant, FDA-approved to prevent kidney-transplant rejection and to treat the lung disease LAM. It blocks mTOR, a growth pathway linked to aging, and extended lifespan in mice even when started late in life. In people, related drugs improved flu-vaccine responses in older adults, and the 48-week PEARL trial of low weekly doses found it relatively safe but missed its main goal. Using it for longevity is off-label, needs a prescriber and monitoring, and no study has shown it extends human life.

Written by The Bioregulator Atlas editorial team · Medical review pending · Facts and prices checked Oct 7, 2026

FDA-approved uses
Kidney transplant rejection prophylaxis (age 13+) and LAM; boxed warning for immunosuppression(source)
Mice (2009)
Lifespan at 90% mortality +14% females, +9% males, started at 600 days(source)
PEARL trial (2025)
48 weeks: adverse events similar to placebo; visceral fat unchanged(source)
Systematic review (2024)
19 studies: immune, cardiovascular, skin markers improved; no effect on muscle, endocrine, brain(source)

What rapamycin is

Rapamycin, also called sirolimus, is an mTOR inhibitor. On its FDA label it is indicated to prevent organ rejection in kidney-transplant patients aged 13 and older and to treat lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). The label carries a boxed warning: immunosuppression can increase susceptibility to infection and the possible development of lymphoma and other cancers.

mTOR is a nutrient-sensing growth pathway. Turning it down extends lifespan in yeast, worms and flies, which is why researchers tested rapamycin in mammals.

The mouse evidence

In a 2009 study run at three independent sites in genetically diverse mice, rapamycin fed from 600 days of age extended median and maximum lifespan in both sexes. Based on age at 90% mortality, lifespan rose 14% in females and 9% in males.

Human studies

Immune aging: in older volunteers, the related mTOR inhibitor everolimus (RAD001) improved the response to flu vaccination by about 20% at relatively well-tolerated doses. A later phase 2a trial in 264 older adults gave a low-dose combination of two mTOR inhibitors for 6 weeks and found a significant drop in infections reported over the following year.

PEARL (2025): a 48-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial gave healthy adults 5 mg or 10 mg of compounded rapamycin once a week. Adverse events were similar across groups, and the primary outcome, visceral fat, did not change. Lean tissue mass and self-reported pain improved in women on 10 mg, and self-reported well-being improved on 5 mg; other measures did not change. The trial was run by AgelessRx, a telehealth company that prescribes rapamycin, and its authors are affiliated with the company.

A 2024 systematic review of 19 studies found improvements in immune, cardiovascular and skin measures, no significant effects on endocrine, muscle or brain measures, and, in people with age-related diseases, more infections and higher cholesterol and triglycerides.

Getting it, and the risks

Rapamycin is a prescription drug, not a supplement. For aging it is prescribed off-label, which means a clinician decides whether the possible benefit justifies risks the label lists, such as raised blood lipids, impaired wound healing, infections and effects on kidney function, and orders blood tests to monitor them. Do not buy it from "research chemical" sellers.

Comparing longevity prescriptions online?

CalcMyPeptide compares licensed telehealth providers for NAD+, sermorelin and other prescriptions on real monthly cost. Rapamycin prescribers are not yet included.

See telehealth comparisons

Opens CalcMyPeptide, our sister site (also run by Kymata Labs). Prescription products are prescribed only if a licensed provider finds them appropriate.

FAQ

Does rapamycin extend lifespan in humans?

That has not been shown. It extends lifespan in mice. Human trials so far measured immune responses, body composition and safety over weeks to a year.

What did the PEARL trial find?

Over 48 weeks, 5 mg or 10 mg of compounded rapamycin weekly was relatively safe, with adverse events similar to placebo. Its primary outcome, visceral fat, did not change; lean mass and pain improved in women on 10 mg.

Is rapamycin FDA-approved for anti-aging?

No. It is approved to prevent kidney-transplant rejection and to treat LAM. Any longevity use is off-label and requires a prescriber.

What are the risks of rapamycin?

The label has a boxed warning that immunosuppression can increase the risk of infection, lymphoma and other cancers. In aging studies, people with age-related diseases had more infections and higher cholesterol and triglycerides.

Is rapamycin the same as sirolimus?

Yes. Sirolimus is the drug name; Rapamune is the original brand.

Do you earn money from this page?

No. This page has no paid links. We do not have an affiliate relationship with any brand that sells these supplements, so none is featured.

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Not medical advice. Medical review pending: this page has not yet been reviewed by a licensed clinician. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration; these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Compounded medicines are not FDA-approved. Prices change often; confirm on the seller's page.