Researchers in Europe have identified that a particular combination of anti-aging medications can significantly prolong the lifespan of mice and enhance their overall well-being. This mixture includes two drugs, rapamycin and trametinib, both frequently utilized in cancer therapies. When administered together, these medications increased longevity in mice by as much as 30%.
The study, carried out by the Max Planck Institute, investigated the effects of each drug both separately and together. Rapamycin alone resulted in a lifespan extension of approximately 17% to 18%, while trametinib contributed a more modest lifespan increase of 7% to 16%. However, when used in combination, the outcomes were considerably more significant. Female mice exhibited a 35% rise in median lifespan, and male mice showed a 27% increase.
The anti-aging combination also aided the animals in maintaining better health for a longer duration. Mice that received both medications had fewer tumors, reduced inflammation, and improved functioning in essential organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. They were more active in their later years and exhibited a slower deterioration in physical health.
The researchers propose that the effectiveness of the combination stems from the distinct ways the two drugs influence various points in a cellular signaling pathway associated with aging. This dual targeting resulted in changes in gene expression that were not observable when the drugs were used in isolation.
Significantly, the research indicated no additional adverse effects from the combined usage beyond those already associated with the individual drugs. This implies that the anti-aging combination could be safe for further evaluation in humans. Since both medications have already received approval for medical use in the US and EU, the route to clinical trials might be comparatively swift.
Although the researchers do not anticipate that humans will gain decades of additional life, their primary objective is to enhance health during the aging process. The study suggests the potential for employing anti-aging medications to postpone the emergence of age-related illnesses and preserve physical and cognitive capabilities later in life.
