07.11.09

First Drug Shown to Extend Life Span in Mammals

Posted in Anti-Aging, biotech, Human Enhancement, Neuro, Nootropics, Technology, Transhumanism at 11:22 am by rheil

First Drug Shown to Extend Life Span in Mammals

Rapamycin, an immunosuppressant, enables elderly mice to live longer.

By Jocelyn Rice (TechnologyReview, Wednesday, July 08, 2009)

“A drug derived from bacteria in the soil on Easter Island can substantially extend the life span of mice, according to a study published online today in Nature. The drug, called rapamycin, is the first pharmacological agent shown to enhance longevity in a mammal, and it works when administered beginning late in life. Prior to this research, the only ways to increase rodents’ life span were via genetic engineering or caloric restriction–a nutritionally complete but very low-calorie diet.” [read original article]

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