Longevity Drugs May be Coming explains rapamycin has been discovered to extend the lifetimes of old laboratory mice by almost 30 percent. Wiki tells that rapamycin, also known as sirolimus, was first discovered in soil samples from Easter Island. (Yes, that island that has the mysterious-looking stone heads.)
Originally the drug was intended for anti-fungal purposes. It soon showed much more promise for suppressing the autoimmune system for organ transplants. Recently rapamycin has shown promise in treating pancreatic cancer. Ironically though, because the drug has such powerful immunosuppressive properties, patients taking the drug could suffer from a 10-100 probability increase of developing cancer.
Yet another application has been discovered - Bacterial Product Isolated in Soil from Easter Island Rescues Learning, Memory in Alzheimer's Mouse Model. The Science Daily article tells that mice with Alzheimer's - like symptoms are improved with rapamycin. Examination shows the drug reduces the lesions in their brains, recently correlated with Alzheimer's symptoms in humans.
Wiki tells that the patent has expired, with a generic produced in India available. Daily treatment costs are $37 for rapamycin, and $20 for the generic. The medical effects can be extended by drinking grapefruit juice with a smaller dosage.
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