Compounded Sirolimus (Rapamycin) Capsules at Town & Country Compounding: Anti-aging and Longevity
What is Sirolimus (Rapamycin)?
Also known as rapamycin, sirolimus has been used as an immunoregulator, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory agent. Traditionally, the FDA approved sirolimus for preventing organ transplant rejection, addressing a rare lung disease called lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), and as a coating for coronary stents to prevent arterial re-narrowing.
Sirolimus/Rapamycin: Its proposed mechanism in longevity
Sirolimus may mimic the effects of fasting, allowing the body to spend more time in a regenerative state ultimately promoting a longer and healthier lifespan.
Sirolimus may support
- Increased energy & mental clarity
- Reduced inflammation & chronic pain
- Improved skin elasticity
- Weight maintenance & loss
- Healthier nails & improved digestion
Sirolimus/Rapamycin inhibits the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway, a crucial system in the body that regulates cell growth, repair, and metabolism. When mTOR is active, cells prioritize growth and proliferation. However, when it is inhibited, the body shifts to autophagy, a process that removes damaged cells and recycles their components.
By reducing mTOR activity, sirolimus may help promote longevity by:
- enhancing cellular repair through increased autophagy, thereby reducing the buildup of damaged cells that contribute to aging
- minimizing inflammation, a major river of age-related diseases
- improving metabolic function, which helps regulate insulin sensitivity and energy use
- supporting immune balance, preventing excessive immune activation that can accelerate aging.
Studies show that, when giving mice rapamycin early in life, their life expectancy increased by up to 60%. When administered later in life, rapamycin still extended lifespan by 9–14%, translating to approximately seven additional years of human life expectancy.
PEARL Study (human)
The Participatory Evaluation of Aging with Rapamycin for Longevity (PEARL) Study, completed in 2023, evaluated rapamycin in humans. Over 48 weeks, the study found that low-dose, intermittent rapamycin administration led to sex-specific health benefits.
Women taking 10 mg per week experienced a 4.5% increase in lean tissue mass, while men in the same dosage group saw a 1.4% increase in bone mineral content. Additionally, the study observed improvements in pain reduction, social functioning, and overall quality of life, particularly among female participants.
Dosing regimens
- There are various dosing regimens and prescribers have options to customize the dose for what the patient needs.
- Adjustments may be needed for individuals with liver conditions.
- Sirolimus (rapamycin) must be obtained from a compounding pharmacy. Commercially available formulations are intended for immunosuppressive use and may not be suitable for intermittent, low-dose longevity protocols. Compounded formulations ensure precise dosing tailored to patient needs.
Other forms: Topical compounded sirolimus (rapamycin)
In addition to oral formulations, sirolimus can be compounded into a topical gel or cream for targeted applications, such as reducing skin inflammation, improving wound healing, and enhancing skin rejuvenation. Commonly prescribed strengths for topical Sirolimus (Rapamycin) cream or gel typically range from 0.001%-1%.
0.2% gel is commercially available and therefore cannot be compounded.
Please contact Town & Country Compounding with questions.
References
- Selvarani, R., Mohammed, S., & Richardson, A. Effect of rapamycin on aging and age-related diseases—past and future. GeroScience 43, 1135–1158 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-020-00274-1
- Seto, B. Rapamycin and mTOR: a serendipitous discovery and implications for breast cancer. Clin Transl Med. 2012 Nov 15;1(1):29. doi:10.1186/2001-1326-1-29
- Pelton, R. Rapamycin: The Most Promising Life Extension Drug. Praktikos Books, Edinburg, VA. 2022.
- Buerger, C. et al. Topical sirolimus for facial angiofibromas in tuberous sclerosis complex: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. British Journal of Dermatology, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.16172
- Koenig, U. et al. Rapamycin: a potential drug for psoriasis therapy. Experimental Dermatology, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.13934
- Guba, M., et al. Therapeutic potential of sirolimus in skin-related conditions. Journal of Dermatological Science, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2020.08.003
- Lee, D.J.W., Kuerec, A.H., & Maier. A.B. Targeting ageing with rapamycin and its derivatives in humans: a systematic review. Lancet Healthy Longev, 2024 Feb. 5: e152–62. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(23)00258-1/fulltext
For more information, consult with a healthcare provider to determine if sirolimus is right for you.
