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mTOR Inhibitors

Rapalogs, Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors

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Meta Information

ID:mtor-inhibitors
Name:mTOR Inhibitors
Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

  • Rapalogs
  • Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors

Active Compound

null

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:
multiple
Scope:
  • systemic

Regulatory Status

  • us:rx_drug
  • eu:rx_drug

Indication

Focus:
healthspan
Description:
Targeting the mTOR pathway to slow aging processes, enhance cellular repair (autophagy), and potentially extend healthy lifespan.

Typical Protocol

  • Common off-label healthspan protocols involve intermittent dosing, such as 5-10 mg once weekly.
  • Some protocols use a 'rapamycin holiday' approach, with several weeks on followed by weeks off to mitigate side effects.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:
150
High Cost:
400
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Cost for generic sirolimus (rapamycin) without insurance coverage for off-label use.

Summary

mTOR inhibitors are a class of drugs that suppress the mTOR signaling pathway, a central regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism. By inhibiting mTOR, these drugs mimic some of the cellular effects of caloric restriction, such as promoting autophagy (cellular cleaning) and reducing inflammation. This mechanism has robustly extended lifespan and healthspan in numerous model organisms, making it a primary target for geroscience research.

Purpose

Inhibits a key cellular growth pathway to promote longevity.

Card Summary

A class of drugs that mimic caloric restriction by inhibiting a key cellular growth pathway, promoting autophagy and potentially slowing aging.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

  • rapamycin-spermidine
  • rapamycin_systemic_disease
  • rapamycin_systemic_healthspan
  • rapamycin_topical_disease
  • rapamycin_topical_healthspan

Impact

Score:
8
Justification:
Unprecedented lifespan extension in animal models; targets a core driver of aging.

Evidence

Grade:
B
Score:
6.5
Justification:
Robust, consistent lifespan extension in animals; limited but promising human trial data exists.

Safety

Score:
7.5
Justification:
Potent immunosuppressants requiring medical supervision; significant side effects are possible, especially with chronic use.

Flags

  • Increases risk of infections due to immunosuppressive effects.
  • May cause mouth sores (stomatitis), metabolic changes (hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia), and impaired wound healing.
  • Interacts with many common medications and grapefruit juice, which inhibits its metabolism.
  • Long-term safety of intermittent use for healthspan is not yet established in humans.
  • Potential for negative effects on fertility and muscle protein synthesis.

Verdict

Highly promising for healthspan, but requires careful medical supervision due to risks.

Qualifier

A class of drugs including rapalogs (rapamycin) focused on inhibiting the mechanistic target of rapamycin for healthspan and autophagy.

Created

2026-04-29T21:04:14.378756Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)