Rapamycin

Yes—same drug, very different dose. Transplant patients take rapamycin daily at high therapeutic doses (5–20mg/day) for immunosuppression. Low-dose rapamycin for longevity uses weekly protocols (1–6mg/week) that avoid the immunosuppression seen at daily doses, while capturing mTORC1 longevity benefits. The weekly “intermittent” approach is what makes longevity dosing distinct and safer.

Weekly dosing is the key to the longevity protocol. It allows mTORC2 (which supports immune function) to recover between doses, while mTORC1 stays inhibited enough to activate autophagy and reduce senescent cell accumulation. This “intermittent” schedule avoids the immunosuppression risk of daily dosing—giving you the longevity benefits without the transplant-level safety concerns.

Longevity effects aren’t immediately visible like weight loss, but your provider monitors key markers: lipid panel changes, inflammatory markers (if tested), metabolic improvements, and lab trends over 3–6 months. Many patients report improved energy, better sleep, and reduced inflammation anecdotally. The cellular benefits (autophagy, senescent cell reduction) take time—most providers recommend 3–6 months minimum before full assessment.

Rapamycin has 60+ years of human safety data in transplant patients. At low weekly doses for longevity, the risk profile is significantly lower than daily immunosuppressive doses. Long-term human longevity trials are still ongoing, so we don’t yet have definitive lifespan extension data in humans—only preclinical and mechanistic support. Most longevity researchers believe low-dose weekly protocols are safe long-term, but it remains an “emerging” approach. Your provider will monitor you closely.

Good candidates are generally healthy adults (typically 40+) interested in proactive longevity optimization, with no active infections, uncontrolled immune conditions, or pregnancy. You should be willing to commit to lab monitoring (CBC, metabolic panel every 3–6 months) and ongoing physician oversight. People with a family history of age-related disease or interest in extending healthspan are ideal candidates. Your physician will determine if it’s appropriate for your specific health profile.

Many longevity practitioners combine rapamycin with other compounds like NAD+, metformin, and NMN as part of a multi-pathway approach. However, always disclose all supplements and medications to your Obsidian Genetics provider before starting. Some compounds may interact with rapamycin’s metabolism (via CYP3A4), and your provider will advise on safe combinations and optimal timing between doses. Never add new compounds without physician approval.