First published: 13/08/2024
A groundbreaking new study has found that a drug commonly used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients could hold the key to extending women’s fertility by up to five years. The drug, rapamycin, has shown promising results in slowing the ageing process of ovaries, offering hope to millions of women who want to delay motherhood without compromising their chances of conception.
The research, led by a team of scientists, suggests that rapamycin could be repurposed to preserve ovarian function, effectively extending the fertile window for women. The study’s co-lead, Dr. Emily Hudson, described the findings as a potential “dream come true” for women who are looking to postpone childbearing for personal or professional reasons.
“Our study indicates that rapamycin can slow down the ageing of ovaries, which means it could help extend fertility by around five years,” Dr. Hudson said. “This could be a game-changer for many women, offering them more time and flexibility when it comes to planning their families.”
Rapamycin, originally developed to prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs, works by inhibiting a protein that accelerates cell ageing. The researchers discovered that the drug’s anti-ageing properties could also apply to ovarian cells, slowing down the depletion of eggs and maintaining ovarian function for longer.
Importantly, the study, which involved laboratory tests on animal models, suggests that rapamycin is safe for use in younger women, opening the door to potential clinical trials in humans. “We are very optimistic about the safety profile of rapamycin, especially when used in lower doses,” Dr. Hudson noted. “Our next step is to begin human trials, which could start as early as next year.”
The potential to extend fertility comes at a time when more women are choosing to delay motherhood. However, the natural decline in fertility that begins in a woman’s early 30s has remained a significant challenge. Currently, options such as egg freezing are available, but they come with high costs and are not always successful.
Dr. Sarah Lewis, a reproductive endocrinologist not involved in the study, hailed the findings as a significant breakthrough. “If rapamycin proves effective in human trials, it could revolutionise reproductive medicine,” she said. “The ability to extend fertility without invasive procedures would be a monumental advancement.”
Despite the excitement surrounding the research, Dr. Hudson cautioned that more work is needed before rapamycin could become a routine treatment for women seeking to preserve their fertility. “We’re still in the early stages, and while the results are promising, we need to proceed carefully to ensure the safety and efficacy of this treatment in humans,” she said.
The study has sparked widespread interest in the medical community and among women who hope to benefit from such advancements. For now, the researchers are focused on securing funding and regulatory approval to move forward with clinical trials.
As the research progresses, the possibility of extending fertility could soon become a reality, offering women greater control over their reproductive choices and timelines.
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