Rapamycin has myriad benefits, such as treating certain cancers, cardiovascular treatments, reducing age-related diseases, etc. Although the research on its benefits is still under observation, some of the research papers document the progress.
An article by Mikhail V. Blagosklonny discusses the potential of rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, as an anti-aging drug. It highlights historical skepticism about anti-aging claims and emphasizes rapamycin’s proven effects on extending lifespan in various organisms [1].
Today, we will talk about Rapamycin in detail and how it can benefit patients. If you want to know more about it, talk to us at My Concierge MD.
What is Rapamycin, and what class of drugs does it belong to?
Rapamycin, also known as sirolimus and sold under the brand name Rapamune, among others, is a macrolide compound. It belongs to the class of drugs known as mTOR inhibitors.
It has immunosuppressant functions in humans and is particularly useful in preventing the rejection of kidney transplants. Additionally, rapamycin is used to coat coronary stents, treat a rare lung disease called lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and treat perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComa).
What are the possible medical uses of Rapamycin?
- Preventing Organ-Transplant Rejection: It acts as an immunosuppressant to prevent the body’s immune system from rejecting a transplanted organ [2].
- Treating Certain Types of Cancer: As an antiproliferative, it helps to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells [3].
- Cardiovascular Treatments: Rapamycin is used as a coating for heart stents to prevent restenosis, which is the re-narrowing of arteries after they have been treated to remove blockages.
These are the main uses, but rapamycin and its analogs also have potential therapeutic benefits in antifungal, neuroprotective, neuroregenerative, and lifespan extension activities
How does Rapamycin work on a cellular level?
Rapamycin works on a cellular level by targeting and inhibiting a protein called mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin).
- mTOR Pathway: mTOR is a central regulator of cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and survival.
- Inhibition of mTOR: When rapamycin inhibits mTOR, it disrupts the signals that tell cells to grow and divide.
- Autophagy Stimulation: By inhibiting mTOR, rapamycin also stimulates autophagy, a process where cells clean out damaged components.
- Immunosuppression: Rapamycin reduces the sensitivity of T cells and B cells to interleukin-2 (IL-2), which inhibits their activity and has immunosuppressant effects
