Anti-aging success in mice renews human lifespan extension hopes

A drug combo that extended mice’s lives by 30% is fuelling hopes for healthier, longer human lifespans.

In a quietly remarkable advance from European researchers, a pair of existing cancer drugs rapamycin and trametinib have been shown to extend the lifespans of mice by up to 35 percent.

The study, conducted by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing in Germany, offers promising evidence that longevity-enhancing interventions might not only lengthen life but also delay the onset of age-related diseases.

While rapamycin has long been studied for its life-extending potential in animals, trametinib was previously shown to increase the lifespan of fruit flies.

The real revelation, however, came when the two drugs were combined. Mice given both compounds not only lived longer but also aged more gracefully exhibiting fewer tumours, reduced inflammation in multiple organs, and better heart and muscle health in old age.

Female mice experienced median lifespan increases of nearly 35 percent, with males not far behind at 27.4 percent. Maximum lifespan gains were similarly impressive.

Researchers attribute the effect to the drugs’ distinct points of action within the Ras/Insulin/TOR pathway, which regulates growth and aging.

Notably, no additional side effects were observed when the drugs were used together—an encouraging sign for future human applications.

Linda Partridge, a geneticist and co-senior author of the study, noted that while humans shouldn’t expect to add decades to their lifespans, the real value might lie in extending the period of life lived in good health.

The study adds to a growing body of research suggesting that aging is not only modifiable but potentially treatable. With both drugs already approved for human use in the US and EU, clinical trials to test their anti-aging effects could begin soon.