Mifepristone Shows Potential Lifespan Extension

Recent studies suggest that mifepristone, a drug primarily known for its role in abortion, may have potential anti-aging properties. Research conducted by USC Dornsife biologists found that mifepristone significantly increased the lifespan of fruit flies, similar to the effects of rapamycin, another longevity drug. Both drugs appear to enhance mitophagy, a cellular process that recycles damaged mitochondria, which is crucial for cellular health and linked to aging. Interestingly, combining mifepristone and rapamycin did not yield additional lifespan benefits, indicating they operate through the same biological pathway. While these findings are promising, further research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, and the ongoing political discourse surrounding mifepristone's regulatory status could influence its future use in clinical trials. If successful, repurposing mifepristone for anti-aging treatments could be accelerated due to its current medical approvals.