Key Takeaways:
- RAD001 and BEZ235 (TORC1 inhibitors) reduced infections by 40% and boosted flu vaccine efficacy by 20% in elderly subjects, suggesting potential for healthier aging.
- These drugs enhance immune function by modulating cellular pathways linked to aging and immunity.
- Study involved 264 seniors over 6 weeks, with mild side effects (e.g., diarrhea). Larger trials are needed to confirm safety and efficacy.
- Synthetic human growth hormone (HGH) shows anti-aging benefits (muscle mass, bone density) but carries risks. Safer alternatives like HGH releasers may stimulate natural production.
- Cautious Optimism: Researchers stress the need for further studies, but improved immune response could reduce age-related infections, a leading cause of hospitalization/death in seniors.
Are We Close This Time To That Elusive Fountain Of Youth?
How many times have you heard of scientists finding a revolutionary anti-aging solution only to be disappointed? The search for the perfect remedy for aging and related issues has proven a long, rather tortuous one.
RAD001
But it appears scientists are drawing ever closer to the real deal, as new findings from a trial reveal two experimental drugs may help you live healthier and longer.
As reported by NPR, researchers found that these drugs appeared helpful for safely boosting the immune system of older people. They work in such a manner that can be quite useful for dealing with age-related issues.
The experimental drugs were found to produce an effect on the TORC1 cellular pathway. Many experts believe that this pathway is important for consideration when trying to slow aging. It is integral to immunity and some other biological functions.
Similar approaches in aging research have explored the effects of metformin and rapamycin, both of which have shown potential for extending lifespan in animal studies. However, concerns about side effects and regulatory approval remain challenges. RAD001 and BEZ235, as selective TORC1 inhibitors, may offer a more targeted approach with fewer adverse effects, but larger trials are needed.
The new study was carried out at the Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research. Findings from it were recently published in Science Translational Medicine.
Study Details
BEZ235
Lead Researcher Joan Mannick, chief medical officer at Boston’s resTORbio Inc., said the initial focus was finding a way to make the immune system perform better.
The team administered different doses of either or both of the drugs or a placebo to 264 individuals who were at least 65 years of age. This they did daily for six weeks.
The drugs given to the subjects are known as RAD001 and BEZ235. Both are used for the treatment of cancer and are known to be TORC1 inhibitors.
After a period of administration, the researchers then observed the subjects for one year. They checked whether those treated had fewer infections and how their immune response to a flu vaccine was.
It was observed that the use of both drugs together led to 40 percent lower infections. The subjects who got the combo had 1.49 infections, compared to the placebo group’s 2.41.
There was also an improvement in how the immune systems of the elderly subjects responded to flu vaccines. There was more than a 20 percent rise in the production of antibodies.
Some might think that these improvements aren’t that dramatic; experts believe they are!
It is well known that older individuals are more likely to come down with infections. So, any improvement is useful and significant.
The efficacy of flu vaccine in the elderly is typically lower due to a weaker immune system. Improved response from these drugs is, therefore, a good thing.
By enhancing immune response and reducing infection rates, these drugs could contribute to healthier aging, potentially extending lifespan—though more research is needed to confirm this.
“Respiratory tract infections are the fourth leading cause of hospitalizations in people 65 and older and a major cause of death,” Mannick notes, stating being able to replicate the findings would be “a big deal.”
When Will the Drugs Become Available for Fighting Aging?
There was no mention of when people can look forward to getting their hands on the drugs used in the study for anti-aging purposes. As you may know, such findings typically require further research before the public can have access to the real product.
While some medical experts have expressed delight in the result of the study, others have cautioned that it is rather too early to be too excited.
Experience has shown that many anti-aging breakthroughs soon get relegated to the background on the consideration of safety.
The good thing about the drugs used in this study – perhaps, part of the reason for enthusiasm in the medical community – is that they appear to be relatively safe. The most common side effect was diarrhea, and this, the researchers say, was usually somewhat mild.
The people who carried out the study noted the need for further studies, partly because of the low number of subjects. Also, the methods they employed were thought to be capable of giving rise to misleading results.
Mannick indicated that her company has already commenced work on testing the degree of efficacy and safety in sicker elderly individuals.
A major positive of this study is that it could contribute to existing research towards finding effective anti-aging treatments.
FAQs:
How do RAD001/BEZ235 work?
They inhibit the TORC1 pathway, which regulates cell growth and immunity. This may slow aging-related immune decline.
When will these drugs be available?
Not soon. Larger trials are ongoing, but approval for anti-aging use could take years.
Why focus on the elderly’s immune system?
Aging weakens immunity, increasing infection risks. Strengthening it could extend health span (years lived disease-free).
What’s the biggest hurdle for anti-aging drugs?
Safety and scalability. Early trials show promise, but long-term effects and affordability for mass use remain unclear.
References
Mannick, J. B., Morris, M., Hockey, H.-U. P., Roma, G., Beibel, M., Kulmatycki, K., Watkins, M., Shavlakadze, T., Zhou, W., & Klickstein, L. B. (2018). TORC1 inhibition enhances immune function and reduces infections in the elderly. Science Translational Medicine, 10(449), eaaq1564. https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.aaq1564
NPR. (2018, July 11). Experimental drugs boost elderly immune systems, raising hopes for anti-aging effects. All Things Considered. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/07/11/627875888/possible-anti-aging-drugs-boost-elderly-immune-systems
Carlos, N. (2018, July 12). These anti-aging drugs could be the real deal. Nature World News. https://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/39229/20180712/these-anti-aging-drugs-could-be-the-real-deal.htm
