Anti-ageing drug rapamycin extends life as effectively as restricting calories – new research

By Zahida Sultanova, Post Doctoral Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia

For centuries, humans have searched for ways to extend life. Alchemists never found the philosopher’s stone, but scientists have consistently shown that a longer life can be attained by eating less – at least in certain lab animals. But can we find a way to live longer while still enjoying our food?

Compounds that mimic the biological effects of dieting could be the answer, and the two most popular diet-mimicking drugs are rapamycin and metformin. In a new study, my colleagues and I found that rapamycin prolongs life…

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