How rapamycin-like drugs affect aging and memory
Impact of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor therapy on aging-related outcomes
This project looks at whether rapamycin-related drugs taken by organ transplant patients change aging, memory, and treatment side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257275 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will follow people who have received organ transplants and are taking mTOR inhibitor drugs (like rapamycin or everolimus) over time to track aging-related outcomes, including memory and dementia-related changes. The team will collect clinical data, monitor side effects, and examine whether dose adjustments make adverse effects better. They will compare health and cognitive outcomes in transplant recipients on these drugs to expected patterns for similar patients. Study findings aim to clarify both potential anti-aging effects and safety in older adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who have had an organ transplant and are currently taking an mTOR inhibitor such as sirolimus (rapamycin) or everolimus.
Not a fit: People without a transplant, not taking mTOR inhibitors, or those with advanced dementia are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could show whether rapamycin-like drugs slow memory decline or other aging problems and clarify their safety for older patients.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies report lifespan and Alzheimer’s-model benefits, but clinical evidence in people is limited and mostly observational so far.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaplan, David E — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kaplan, David E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.