Could the Rapamycin Drug Extend Fertility? 

Researchers may have found a way to slow down ovarian aging by using a cheap immunosuppressant typically used to treat tumors and kidney transplant patients. 

A new small study conducted at Columbia University, co-led by Professor Yousin Suh and Associate Professor Zev Williams, found that the drug extended fertility, delayed menopause, and improved women’s risks of age-related diseases. As a result, the drug could decrease ovary aging by 20%. 

The findings are exciting for many, as they give women hope that they can increase their chances of fertility. 

Some side effects for people using rapamycin are high blood pressure, infections, headaches, and nausea, however, the women in the study using rapamycin for fertility didn’t experience these side effects. This means that ovary life can be extended without the expense of a woman’s comfort. 

The women included in the randomized, placebo-controlled study self-reported their improvements. They claimed that their energy levels, memory, skin, and hair all improved while on rapamycin. A preprint of the study including 40 women found that when the participants took 10mg of rapamycin every week, they has increased lean tissue mass and improved quality of life relating to pain and social functioning.

Rapamycin can help fertility in several ways. The drug can improve the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for women with endometriosis. It can also improve egg quality, which was discovered in a 2022 study involving mice and humans. Clinical trials for rapamycin have mostly been done on mice, as it takes decades to uncover the results related to longevity. However, since ovaries age at a rapid speed, it’s easy to measure the results. 

So, How Does Rapamycin Increase Fertility?

Rapamycin inhibits the mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which is essential in cell growth and survival. This means that the inhibition slows down cellular aging. 

Participants in the study, titled The Validating Benefits of Rapamycin for Reproductive Aging Treatment (vibrant), took a small weekly dose (5mg) of rapamycin for three months, which caused the ovaries to release fewer eggs. Patients who receive transplants typically take 13mg of rapamycin a day. 

How much rapamycin a person takes is critical. Taking too high of a dose can actually stop ovulation entirely. 

Women are born with millions of eggs, but as they age, the number of eggs declines, and the quality of eggs also declines. Women typically lose 50 eggs a month, and with ovaries being the fastest-aging organ in a woman’s body, ovary aging is crucial for fertility. 

In the study, rapamycin reduced the loss of 50 eggs per month to 15 eggs per month. This means that the amount of ovaries a woman has is preserved and the chances of her conceiving are increased. Increasing fertility naturally can be difficult in addition to rapamycin, certain lifestyle changes can ensure egg health and quality. 

A balanced and nutritious diet is key for someone who is trying to conceive. Women should try to aim for:

• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. 
• Vitamin D from sunlight, fatty fish, and dairy.
• Vitamin C and E which can be found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
• Iron found in meat and beans.
• Protein found in lean meat, beans, and legumes. 

Additionally, women trying to get pregnant can take supplements for egg quality, like: 

• Vitamin B6 for hormone regulation. 
• Zinc for hormone production. 
• Probiotics for fertility. 
• Prenatal supplement for reproductive health. 

Other factors include regularly exercising, managing stress, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight. 

The study is still ongoing. By the time the trial is concluded, they hope to have 1,000 participants. They plan to complete their research in two years. 

Although rapamycin is already readily available to the public, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved it for treating menopause, fertility, or longevity. When or if it will be available as a fertility treatment is unknown. However, a phase 3 trial in the future should be promising.