Breakthrough Drug Could Extend Women's Fertility

A clinical trial suggests rapamycin, a drug mainly used to prevent organ rejection, may extend women's fertility by up to five years. Early results, though not yet peer-reviewed, show promising signs of delaying ovarian aging. Further studies will determine the drug's efficacy in humans.

A growing number of people are choosing to have children later in life, yet around one-third of couples face fertility challenges if the woman is over 35, as female fertility declines with age.

Researchers of an ongoing clinical trial propose that rapamycin, commonly used to prevent organ rejection, may extend a woman's fertile years by up to five years. Early findings from their small pilot study, though not yet peer-reviewed, offer optimism.

Studies in mice have shown rapamycin beneficial for many aspects of aging, including fertility. Rapamycin appears to increase the ovarian reserve and delay menopause.

Women are born with a finite number of follicles, known as the ovarian reserve, which depletes over time. Menopause typically occurs around age 51 but can vary. Early menopause can impact fertility plans.

Rapamycin, a bacterial compound, helps cells survive longer. It's used in organ transplants to suppress the immune system and treat certain vascular conditions.

Evidence implies rapamycin might counteract aging, with studies in mice showing it can delay ovarian aging and menopause.

A research team recruited 50 women, aged 35-45, for a pilot study, monitoring their ovarian reserve while receiving rapamycin or a placebo. Initial results suggest rapamycin might decrease ovarian aging by 20%, potentially providing an additional five years of fertility.

Rapamycin seems to reduce the number of follicles recruited per menstrual cycle, prolonging the ovarian reserve.

The promising results, however, come from a small cohort. Larger studies with 1,000 women are planned to confirm efficacy. If successful, rapamycin could aid women with low ovarian reserve and those seeking to extend their fertility.

The study also emphasizes the potential of repurposing existing drugs for women's health, a direction further explored by researchers to enhance embryo implantation and treat ovarian cancer.

(With inputs from agencies.)