For veterinarians
Built to be read by a clinician.
Your clients are reading about rapamycin, and most of what they find is wrong. This is a clinician-facing summary of the companion-animal geroscience literature as it actually stands — what has been demonstrated, in which species, at what sample size, and what is still an open question.
How we read the literature
Primary sources, graded
Every compound and every study carries a stated evidence stage — from replicated human RCT data down to animal-model signals. Nothing is presented as more settled than the literature supports.
Species and sample size, on every entry
The study library records species, design, and n for each paper, because those three facts determine what a finding is worth. Most of the geroscience literature is murine or human; we do not let that slide past the reader.
Dose is the whole argument
The distinction between continuous immunosuppressive mTOR inhibition and low-dose intermittent protocols is the single most misrepresented point in owner-facing coverage. We lead with it rather than bury it.
No disease claims, and nothing for sale
This site sells nothing. Citations to clinical or oncology literature are used to explain mechanism and evidence stage only — never to imply a treatment effect in a patient.
In the consult room
What your clients are walking in with
Three questions, and the honest answer to each.
“I read that rapamycin extends lifespan — can my dog have it?”
The mouse data is real and replicated; the pet lifespan data does not exist yet. TRIAD is still running. The 2017 Urfer trial in 24 dogs established short-term tolerability and a cardiac signal — not a lifespan claim. It is a prescription drug, and the conversation belongs with you.
“Isn't rapamycin an immunosuppressant?”
At transplant dosing, yes. At low intermittent doses, mTOR inhibition improved vaccine response and reduced respiratory infections in randomized human trials. Same molecule, different pharmacology — this is the distinction owners almost never arrive with.
“What about my cat?”
Far thinner evidence. The RAPACAT trial tested delayed-release rapamycin in cats with subclinical HCM and found it tolerated at the doses studied. That is a safety trial, not an efficacy result, and feline metabolism does not forgive extrapolation from canine data.
Evidence dossier
Compounds, mechanism, and evidence stage
A condensed reference. Primary-source citations are in the study library, and full write-ups in the research library.
Rapamycin (sirolimus)
Emerging evidenceInhibits mTOR, the nutrient-sensing pathway that tells a cell to grow rather than repair itself. Partial, intermittent inhibition shifts cells toward autophagy and maintenance — which is why low-dose longevity protocols look nothing like the daily immunosuppressive dosing used in transplant medicine.
What the evidence supports: Studied for healthy aging, cardiac function, and immune resilience. A prescription drug — veterinary supervision is not optional.
Urolithin A
Strong human evidenceA gut metabolite of ellagitannins that activates mitophagy — the recycling of damaged mitochondria — supporting mitochondrial renewal in muscle.
What the evidence supports: Supports mitochondrial health and muscle function.
Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG)
Animal-model evidenceAn intermediate of the citric-acid cycle involved in energy metabolism and epigenetic regulation; healthspan signals reported in animal models.
What the evidence supports: Supports cellular energy metabolism.
Spermidine
Emerging evidenceA naturally occurring polyamine that induces autophagy, the cell's self-cleaning process. Human cognition data is mixed and we report it honestly.
What the evidence supports: Supports cellular renewal (autophagy).
Fisetin
Early evidenceA senolytic flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables; clears senescent cells in aged-tissue and animal models. Human data is still early.
What the evidence supports: Supports healthy aging and cellular balance.
Resveratrol
Emerging evidenceA stilbenoid that engages cellular-energy pathways; real-world benefit is limited by bioavailability, which we account for in formulation.
What the evidence supports: Antioxidant support.
Turkey tail (PSP/PSK)
Strong human evidencePolysaccharopeptides from Trametes versicolor that activate natural-killer cells and macrophages. PSK has been used as an adjuvant in Japan since the 1970s.
What the evidence supports: Supports the normal function of immune cells (NK cells, macrophages).
Reishi (Ganoderma)
Emerging evidenceβ-glucans from Ganoderma lucidum that modulate immune signaling toward balance rather than over- or under-activation.
What the evidence supports: Supports immune-system balance.
Curcumin (BCM-95)
Emerging evidenceA polyphenol that helps balance inflammatory-signaling pathways; delivered as the bioavailability-enhanced BCM-95 form.
What the evidence supports: Supports a healthy inflammatory response.
Professional contact
Get the citation set, and the updates.
We write to veterinary professionals when the evidence moves — new trials, new readouts, and corrections when we get something wrong. The full study library is open, with no gate.
The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. These statements have not been evaluated by a food or drug regulatory authority and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.