Researchers have long sought ways to extend lifespan and improve health in later years, and now a new study offers compelling insights. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing have found that a combination of two existing cancer drugs — rapamycin and trametinib — significantly increased the lifespan of middle-aged mice by up to 30%.
What They Found:
The researchers were able to show that Trametinib alone extends the lifespan of mice by 5-10%, while Rapamycin alone increases lifespan by 15-20%. Together, the drugs have a combinatorial effect that extends the life of the mice by around 30%.
- Rapamycin inhibits a protein called mTOR, which regulates the division and death of cells and is associated with cancer and other diseases.
- Trametinib disrupts a molecular pathway called RAS/Mek/Erk, which also plays a role in cancerous cell proliferation.
The combination, when administered at low doses, appeared to work better than either drug alone — reducing negative side effects while boosting the benefits.
Why This Matters:
While these findings are preliminary and focused on mice, they are an exciting step in understanding how to delay age-related decline. Aging is a major risk factor for many diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration. Treatments that slow the aging process could help delay the onset of these conditions, leading to longer, healthier lives.
Researchers urge caution. The results do not yet apply to humans, and further studies are needed to ensure long-term safety, proper dosing, and efficacy. That said, this study provides a valuable framework for future drug combinations that could support healthy aging.
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