UT Health San Antonio is launching a multi-phase clinical study to investigate how the drug rapamycin may promote healthy aging. Funded by the National Institute on Aging, the study will examine dosing, safety, and long-term effects to guide future research on extending human health span.
The study is led by researchers including Ellen Kraig, PhD (Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy), Dean Kellogg Jr., MD, PhD (Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology and Palliative Medicine), and Brett Ginsburg, PhD (Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences) at the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine.
“This phase is about precision,” said Kellogg. “We’re asking how much drug it actually takes to achieve a desired biological effect, not more than that.”
The randomized, placebo-controlled trial will enroll approximately 84 generally healthy adults aged 65 to 90. Sub-studies will evaluate biological markers, determine optimal dosing, and assess short- and longer-term outcomes. The study is being conducted at the Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, with clinical management by Tiffany Cortes, MD, and pharmacological oversight by Ginsburg and Haidyn Stark, PhD. Statistical analysis is supported by Wouter Koek, PhD, while laboratory and logistical operations are managed by Kraig and Faizah Ahmmed. Senior scientific advisors include Randy Strong, PhD, Adam Salmon, PhD, and Blake Rasmussen, PhD.
Researchers are currently seeking participants who are non-smoking, independent adults aged 65–90 without diabetes or glucose-lowering medications for a six-week trial of rapamycin and everolimus, followed by a four-week follow-up. Interested individuals can contact the study team at BCRU@uthscsa.edu or call (210) 450-3333.