Concerns on muscle loss related to rapamycin administration in mice were debunked by studies showing enhanced cognitive performance in treated mice. Research on the molecular level has shown different effects of rapamycin in other tissues.
Rapamycin has been shown to drastically increase lifespan in mice, and this scientist believes it can have the same effect on man's best friend. With companion dogs living in human environments, they provide a unique opportunity to study the biology of aging, and research is showing promise for interventions that can increase lifespan and healthspan in dogs.
Concerns about rapamycin increasing muscle loss with aging have been common among muscle biologists since mTOR promotes muscle growth. However, studies show that muscular function is improved with age when rapamycin is administered.