SOURCE-BASED EDITORIAL GUIDE · SPECIALIST REVIEW PENDING

What the evidence says

Harrison and colleagues reported in 2009 that rapamycin extended lifespan in genetically heterogeneous mice when started late in life. The species and experimental conditions are central to that finding.

Translating an animal result into human care requires human evidence about benefits, harms and appropriate clinical use. A mechanism alone cannot establish that balance.

THE TAKEAWAY

This source establishes a mouse finding.

Where the evidence stops

It does not prove lifespan extension in humans. We provide no off-label regimen or dosing calculator.

Read the original sources

Source pages checked on 23 October 2026. This is not the publication date of each study. Original sources may be in English.

Harrison et al. · Nature, 2009pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · Sources checked: 2026-10-23López-Otín et al. · Cell, 2023pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · Sources checked: 2026-10-23

Questions worth taking further

  • Was the outcome measured in humans, animals or cells?
  • Does the study population match the people in the claim?
  • What benefits, harms and uncertainties remain unmeasured?