Humans have been evading death for centuries, with average lifespans in the U.S. increasing by over 20% in the last century. This shift in longevity is attributed to a blend of common-sense practices like avoiding smoking and advancements in science such as vaccines and mammograms. However, the quest for extreme longevity remains a challenge. While individuals like Sophocles and Ramses II lived notably long lives, modern times have seen only a few individuals surpassing the age of 120.
Currently, scientists are exploring the possibility of further extending human lifespans or at least making ages like 90, 100, or even 120 more common. Various unconventional methods such as hyperbaric chambers, offshore stem cell injections, and other innovative approaches have emerged, but the primary focus of anti-aging advocates is on increasing the number of healthy years individuals can enjoy.
Affordable Medications for Prolonging Life
Contrary to popular belief, advancements in life extension are not confined to science fiction or exorbitant costs. Two cost-effective generic drugs, metformin and rapamycin, have emerged as promising candidates for enhancing health and potentially extending lifespan. These drugs, available at minimal costs, do not require access to exclusive facilities but merely a prescription from a willing physician—of which there are many. Metformin, commonly used by diabetics to regulate blood sugar, and rapamycin, utilized by transplant patients to prevent organ rejection, have shown significant health benefits in mice studies, prompting further research on their potential effects on humans. The primary investigations are centered in New York City.
The Metformin TAME Trial
Dr. Nir Barzilai from Albert Einstein College of Medicine is spearheading an unconventional clinical trial involving metformin. Research suggests that besides its role in diabetes management, metformin may also enhance immune function, combat cancer and inflammatory diseases, and promote gut microbiome health. Testing the broad spectrum of metformin’s effects poses a challenge as conventional research models typically focus on specific disease aspects. Barzilai’s approach aims to evaluate how metformin impacts various hallmarks of aging, acknowledging its diverse effects on different organs.
The Rapamycin VIBRANT Trial
Meanwhile, a separate trial on rapamycin, led by Columbia researchers, is underway, with a particular emphasis on its effects on ovaries. Rapamycin, similar to metformin, is believed to offer extensive benefits such as improving cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function. The study, titled VIBRANT, aims to assess rapamycin’s potential in slowing ovarian aging, thereby delaying menopause and related health issues. Dr. Yousin Suh and her team have initiated tests on women, with a focus on determining safe dosages for different age groups. Notably, informal longevity enthusiasts who experiment with rapamycin have not reported severe side effects, contrary to concerns associated with its primary use as an immunosuppressant.
While the efficacy of these drugs in extending healthy lifespan remains uncertain, ongoing research endeavors aim to provide more insights into their potential benefits. For a comprehensive exploration of life-extending technologies and ideologies, stay tuned for the upcoming Spring edition of Worth magazine, scheduled for release next month.