Robert Lufkin MD: Extending Life with Rapamycin

Rapamycin stands out as the most effective pharmacological intervention for extending lifespan in laboratory animals by mimicking caloric restriction and inducing autophagy. Dr. Robert Lufkin, a clinical professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine and expert in metabolic imaging, is spearheading a new human registry to collect anonymous data on dosages, medical conditions, and side effects from individuals already using the drug for longevity. While originally FDA-approved as an immunosuppressant for organ transplants, rapamycin may actually enhance immune function when administered via specific longevity-focused dosing schedules rather than continuous high doses. Beyond pharmacology, metabolic imaging serves as a critical tool for longevity by utilizing radiology to assess liver fat, brain volume, and other biomarkers associated with chronic age-related diseases. This data-driven approach aims to quantify the real-world benefits of longevity protocols that currently lack comprehensive human clinical trials.