RAPA Substudy E

Effect of mTOR Inhibition and Other Metabolism Modulating Interventions on the Elderly: Immune, Cognitive, and Functional Consequences (Substudy E – RAPA cMRI with LGE)

Purpose of this Study

Rapamycin is a medication  approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an immunosuppressant drug (a drug that reduces the human body’s normal immune response) used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation; it is especially useful in kidney transplants. Rapamycin reduces the effects of mTOR, which is a substance that controls growth of cells in your body.  Rapamycin that has been shown to increase lifespan in laboratory animals.

The safety of Rapamycin in humans has been tested in prior research studies alone or in combination with another drug, to evaluate effects on physical function, cognitive function and immune health.

This new study will help find out what effects Rapamycin has on people who take the drug and the drug’s effect on heart function, heart muscle stiffening, and other effects on circulation.

You may qualify if you:

• Male or female
• 70-95 years of age
• A Non-smoker
• In good general health
• Able to tolerate MRI procedures
• Living independently (not in assisted living or nursing home)

You may NOT qualify if you:

• Have Diabetes
• Have a history of skin ulcers or poor wound healing
• Smoke
• Have liver disease

Duration of the Study:

The study involves 5 study visits over the course of approximately 2 months.

Study Procedures:

• Medical History
• Physical performance
• Blood tests
• Cardiac/aortic MRI

Study Locations:

UT Health San Antonio
Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies
4939 Charles Katz Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78229

UT Health San Antonio Research Imaging Institute
8403 Floyd Curl Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229

Compensation:

You may receive up to $300 for the completion of this study.

Principal Investigator:

Dean L. Kellogg, Jr., MD, PhD

Contact Us

For more information or to volunteer in a study:

• Call (210) 450-3333
• If you prefer that we contact you, please fill out the form below.