What are Anti-aging Medications?

"Anti-aging medications" is an informal term for drugs studied for their effects on the biology of aging. No medication is FDA-approved to slow or reverse aging. Drugs discussed in this context, such as metformin and rapamycin, are FDA-approved for other conditions, and any use for aging is off-label.

Researchers study whether certain drugs affect pathways linked to aging, such as nutrient sensing, inflammation and cellular repair. Metformin is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, and rapamycin (sirolimus) is FDA-approved to help prevent organ transplant rejection. Some effects on lifespan have been seen in animal studies, but these have not been shown in people.

If you are interested in a medication for longevity, a licensed provider can review your health history, explain the FDA status and evidence for each option, and discuss its risks before deciding whether anything is appropriate.