Put the Brakes on Cellular Aging with Rapamycin (aka Sirolimus)

Author: Donald Ellsworth, M.D

Rapamycin (aka Sirolimus) is considered to be the premiere tool toward optimizing healthy aging and is very effective in its use as a repurposed drug for other health conditions.

Providential Discovery From a Remote Island

In 1964, medical explorers found that the soil on Easter Island contains a unique compound named Rapamycin.  The name came from “Rapa” to honor the ancient name of the Island, Rapa Nui and “myces” indicating it was thought to be an antifungal and to give a nod to the bacteria that produced it: Steptomyces hydroscopicus.  When high daily doses of Rapamycin were found to be immunosuppressant, it was FDA approved in 1999 to prevent transplant rejection.  Now, unless you have an extra kidney, you probably have no interest in taking an immunosuppressant.

In fact, because Rapamycin was incorrectly viewed as only an immunosuppressant, it blinded most researchers to Rapamycin’s true potential.  This kept most of us from hearing the rest of the story until recently when Rapamycin’s many additional properties were discovered.  Later the FDA approved Rapamycin to fight cancers and also to prevent restenosis of cardiac stents. Further studies have shown that when lower doses of Rapamycin are used intermittently, it actually functions as an immunomodulator rather than an immunosuppressant.  In fact, a 2014 study by Joan Mannick showed a 20% improvement in immune function when a Rapamycin analog was used.

What do people notice when they take Rapamycin?  (Note: These are from patient reports, not from an actual study.)

For the past 5-10 years, people have been taking Rapamycin (Sirolimus) to promote vitality and longevity processes in the body.  They report that after 3-6 months they notice:

• Increased energy
• Improved mood
• Reductions in pain
• Improvements in strength and endurance
• Higher testosterone levels
• Improved skin health
• Weight loss
• Reduced blood pressure
• Decreased bodily inflammation
• Better sleep at night
• Better blood work (ex. lowered LDL readings)
• Improved erectile function

What others are saying:

“The overwhelming evidence suggests that Rapamycin is a universal anti-aging drug.” Mikhail Blagosklonny Phd., M.D.

“For persons over 50, it is most the important drug in the world today.” Al Green, M.D.

“Rapamycin is currently the most effective and reproducible pharmacological approach for directly targeting the aging process to increase lifespan.” Matt Kaeberlein, Phd.

Safety

Rapamycin has been used since 1999 as an FDA approved medication, but not for slowing the aging process.  Fortunately, we have reassuring studies from 2014 and 2018 showing that when people took Rapamycin at doses comparable to what we are using, there were no significant side effects.

Rapamycin – The Time is Now

Yes, we welcome more studies but not more delays.

While a healthy lifestyle clearly helps people live longer and healthier, Rapamycin has emerged as a very important tool to assist us so we can age in a more youthful/healthy way.  Considering the minimal risk of using Rapamycin, i.e. reversible/mild issues with the known and irreversible risks of aging, disease, and premature death, we now recommend Rapamycin be used in midlife to enhance vitality.

Rapamycin (Sirolimus) does require a prescription from your provider. Physicians Preference Pharmacy can fill your Sirolimus prescription. Call us today for your prescription needs at 281-828-9088. It will be our privilege to serve you!