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Clinical trial No longer in our active list Phase 2 Interventional Ages 70 to 95

Effects of rapamycin on aging and heart function in the elderly

Official title: Effect of mTOR Inhibition and Other Metabolism Modulating Interventions on the Elderly: Immune, Cognitive, and Functional Consequences ((Substudy E - RAPA cMRI With LGE)

Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · NCT04742777 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

This study is testing if the drug rapamycin can help improve heart health and reduce inflammation in older adults aged 70 to 95.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages70 Years to 95 Years
SexAll
Enrollment12 (estimated)
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsprednisone
Locations2 sites (San Antonio, Texas and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04742777 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are healthy men and women aged 70-95 with stable chronic conditions.

Probably not a fit

Patients with diabetes, liver disease, or those on certain medications affecting drug metabolism may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of rapamycin, a drug known for its potential to extend lifespan and improve health in older adults, specifically targeting individuals aged 70 to 95. The study aims to evaluate whether rapamycin can enhance cardiac function and reduce age-related inflammation and pathologies in this population. Participants will undergo assessments to determine the drug's effects on heart health and overall well-being. The trial is a sub-study of a larger investigation into aging and immune response.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved heart health and overall quality of life for elderly patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with rapamycin in animal models, but this specific approach in humans is novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* men and women 70-95 years of age.
* Subjects will be in good general health with all chronic diseases (hypertension, coronary artery disease, etc.) clinically stable. Selected subjects will be in good health (Per the World Health Organization good health will be defined as complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
* For our purposes all diseases or infirmities will be clinically stable whether managed by medications or not.
* All ethnicities will be included.
* For cardiac and brain imaging by MRI, a pre-MRI screening questionnaire will be used to assess MRI safety and neurological health.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diabetes, (with A1c ≥6.5 or if treated with medication affecting glucose homeostasis History of skin ulcers or poor wound healing,
* Smoking,
* Liver disease,
* Anti-coagulation,
* Treatment with drugs known to affect cytochrome P450 3A (diltiazem, erythromycin, etc) due to its role in RAPA metabolism,
* Treatment (\>30days of therapy or long term) with a systemic immunosuppressant (prednisone, etc.) within the last year,
* History of recent (within 6 months) Myocardial Infarction or active Coronary Disease,
* Patients with history of recent (within 6 months) intestinal disorders,
* Exclusion criteria for MRI scan: known claustrophobia, metal implants in soft tissue of the body including pacemakers, aneurysm clips, ferrous metal fragments not anchored to bone (bullets, BBs, shrapnel, metal shavings), implanted medication pumps, and oral-facial metal appliances that are permanently secured but may result in low image quality. Participants may also be excluded for history of severe head trauma, brain injury, brain surgery, inflammation of the brain, or history of seizures.
* Positive COVID19 test.

Where it's running

  • Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital
    San Antonio, Texas, United States     Recruiting
  • The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
    San Antonio, Texas, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Dean L Kellogg, Jr., MD PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • Study coordinator: Dean L Kellogg, Jr., MD PhD
  • Email: kelloggd@uthscsa.edu
  • Phone: 210-617-5197

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.