Comparison
Metformin vs Rapamycin
Metformin
Anti-diabetic medication studied for longevity. AMPK activator. Glucose normalization.
Rapamycin
mTOR inhibitor approved for immunosuppression after organ transplant. Studied off-label for longevity at low intermittent doses.
| Field | Metformin | Rapamycin |
|---|---|---|
| Category | neuroprotective | neuroprotective |
| Dose range | 500–2000mg | 5–10mg |
| Half-life | – | – |
| Onset | – | – |
| Evidence | EVIDENCEA | EVIDENCEA |
| Safety | ●●●●○ | ●●○○○ |
| Legal (US) | USRx | USRx |
| PubMed refs | 23000 | 36000 |
The comparison in plain English
Two prescription drugs studied off-label for longevity. Metformin is a first-line diabetes drug that activates AMPK and lowers hepatic glucose production. Rapamycin is an immunosuppressant (Sirolimus) that selectively inhibits mTORC1.
Bottom line
Both have rodent lifespan-extension data; Rapamycin has the stronger and more replicated rodent signal. The human risk profile differs enormously, Metformin is widely tolerated and cheap; Rapamycin is immunosuppressive and requires careful pulsed dosing.
Choose Metformin if
You want a low-risk metabolic intervention with possible longevity benefit and clear glucose effects. 500–2000mg with meals. Watch B12.
Choose Rapamycin if
You are working with an experienced longevity physician and you accept the immunosuppressive trade-off. 5–10mg weekly (not daily). Not appropriate for self-experimentation.