This week the journal ‘Nature’ reports that the drug rapamycin, widely used to prevent transplant rejection and also currently in Phase II clinical trials for NF1 plexiform neurofibromas, may also have anti-aging properties. Mice taking the drug had extended lives of up to 14% versus those not taking drug. Intriguingly the longevity-promoting effect was seen even mice did not start taking rapamycin until they were relatively ‘elderly’ 600 days (equivalent to human aged 60). Its not yet clear if rapamycin might be prolonging life by preventing tumor growth or simply by slowing down the overall aging process. The study authors included researchers from University of Michigan, The Jackson Laboratory and the University of Texas. Media commentaries on the topic include an article in Thursday’s New York Times.
NF1 Trial Drug Gives Mice Longer Lives
