Rapamycin (Sirolimus)
Evidence: ★★★★★ · Status: Off-Label, FDA Approved
In plain English
Rapamycin dials the "grow" switch (mTOR) down periodically, flipping cells into "clean and repair." It extends lifespan in every animal tested — the single most reliable longevity drug — but human data is still coming in. Taken weekly, not daily.
How it works
Binds FKBP12 to inhibit mTOR complex 1 — flipping cells from growth to maintenance (autophagy, stress resistance, less senescence). What mTOR is and why dialling it down matters → the mTOR pathway. The compound-specific nuance is intermittent dosing: weekly dosing inhibits mTORC1 while sparing mTORC2, avoiding the insulin resistance daily dosing causes.
Molecular target & official sources
MTOR mechanistic target of rapamycin (NCBI Gene 2475) · Sirolimus (PubChem CID 5284616)
Watch out
Immunosuppression (dose-dependent), mouth sores, raised lipids/glucose. Not a self-prescription.
Bottom line
The most compelling longevity drug we have; still needs human RCTs (PEARL, others ongoing).
Helps with: Recover Faster · Live Longer · Stress & Anxiety · Immunity
The human evidence
No completed human longevity trial exists yet — PEARL and others are ongoing. Every lifespan-extension result is from animals (where it's the most reliable such drug); human use for longevity is off-label and extrapolated, not proven.
Stacks with
Shares a pathway — often paired with: Whey / Casein Protein, SGLT2 Inhibitors (Empagliflozin / Canagliflozin), Insulin (anabolic misuse), Ketamine / Esketamine (Spravato).
Availability & where to buy
Prescription only. Prescription-only — a doctor must prescribe it. Not sold over the counter. (In Singapore: HSA-regulated.)
How it works: the mTOR pathway →
Used in these protocols
Compare Rapamycin (Sirolimus)
- Rapamycin (Sirolimus) vs Creatine Monohydrate
- Rapamycin (Sirolimus) vs Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
- Rapamycin (Sirolimus) vs Whey / Casein Protein
- Rapamycin (Sirolimus) vs Magnesium
- Rapamycin (Sirolimus) vs Zinc
- Rapamycin (Sirolimus) vs Enclomiphene / Clomiphene (Clomid)
- Rapamycin (Sirolimus) vs SGLT2 Inhibitors (Empagliflozin / Canagliflozin)
- Rapamycin (Sirolimus) vs Vitamin D3 (+ K2)
Common questions
Does Rapamycin (Sirolimus) actually work?
Human-evidence rating: 5 of 5. The most compelling longevity drug we have; still needs human RCTs (PEARL, others ongoing).
What are the risks or side effects of Rapamycin (Sirolimus)?
Immunosuppression (dose-dependent), mouth sores, raised lipids/glucose. Not a self-prescription.
Is Rapamycin (Sirolimus) legal or approved?
Regulatory status: Off-Label, FDA Approved.