Scientists have tested a combination of two existing anti-aging drugs on mice, finding that it extended their lifespans by around 30 percent. The drugs, rapamycin and trametinib, are used to treat different types of cancer but also showed promise in extending lifespan.
When given alone, rapamycin increased lifespan by 17-18 percent, while trametinib boosted longevity by 7-16 percent. However, when combined, the treatment saw a significant extension of around 26-35 percent. This increase was not offset by frailty and illness but instead delayed tumor growth and reduced age-related inflammation in various organs.
The researchers found that the combination also improved quality of life, with treated mice showing reduced body weight, slower decline in heart function, and increased activity at advanced ages. While this finding is promising for human applications, it’s essential to note that extending lifespan by 30 percent may not translate to humans.
The study’s lead author suggests that further research on humans will help determine the potential benefits of these drugs, particularly for improving health and disease-free years in older age. Both rapamycin and trametinib are already approved for use in humans, with one study showing a five-year increase in fertility during perimenopause.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/anti-aging-cocktail-extends-mouse-lifespan-by-about-30-percent