New Delhi: Recent studies from the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing in Germany have revealed that a combination of two existing drugs, rapamycin and trametinib, can extend the lifespan of mice by up to 30%. Not only did the mice live significantly longer, but they also remained healthier in old age, showing reduced inflammation, delayed tumour growth, and better overall physical function. This discovery could mark a significant step forward in the pursuit of anti-ageing treatments for humans, offering hope for the prevention of ageing-related decline. It can be slowed or even partially reversed in the future.
Rapamycin and trametinib are both drugs primarily used in cancer treatment. Rapamycin has been used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients and has shown life-extending properties in animals. Trametinib, although less studied in larger animals, has previously been shown to extend the lifespan of fruit flies. Scientists administered these drugs individually and in combination to hundreds of mice, starting from the age of six months, and then tracked their health and longevity. The combination therapy produced the most remarkable effects, with median lifespan increases of 34.9% in female mice and 27.4% in males.
However, importantly, the mice receiving the combination therapy did not merely live longer; they lived better. The treated animals experienced fewer age-related conditions, such as liver and spleen tumours, and displayed significantly reduced inflammation in the brain, kidneys, muscles and spleen. They also retained more mobility and exhibited improved heart function. These results suggest that the treatment helps maintain a higher quality of life throughout old age, a key goal in the field of longevity research.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that ageing can be manipulated through targeted medical institution interventions. As per the understanding of cellular ageing depeens, the potential for developing treatments that slow or modify the ageing process becomes more tangible. With further research, the dream of healthier lives in old age may one day become a reality for many.
