University of Arizona Launches Pioneering Clinical Trial on Aging
The University of Arizona’s R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy is embarking on a groundbreaking Phase 3 clinical trial to explore whether rapamycin, a drug traditionally used to prevent organ rejection, can enhance resilience and immunity in older adults. This double-blind, randomized study is a notable step in longevity science, an area in which the university has long invested.
The trial is underpinned by a generous $12 million donation from alumnus R. Ken Coit. Coit, who graduated from the College of Pharmacy in 1967, has been a steadfast supporter, contributing significantly to educational and research initiatives. His previous $50 million gift in 2021 helped establish faculty positions, scholarships, and a museum dedicated to the history of pharmacy and health sciences.
University President Suresh Garimella expressed gratitude, stating, “We are grateful to Ken for his latest gift which will empower a new approach to examining what aging and longevity mean, and hopefully lead to solutions to a better and more fulfilling life for many.” He emphasized that Coit’s contributions have positioned the college among the top in the nation.
The Coit Center for Longevity and Neurotherapeutics, part of the Coit College of Pharmacy, is at the forefront of research on healthy aging. Established in 2023, the center focuses on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, aiming to discover new drug targets and therapies that could alter the aging process.
Interim Dean Brian Erstad remarked, “Ken’s generosity is making possible the first investigator-led clinical trial in the College of Pharmacy.” He noted that this support allows researchers to gain new insights into human longevity and develop therapies to slow aging.
According to Coit, “Rapamycin is our best shot on goal for improving resiliency and healthspan as we age.” Previous studies have indicated its potential to enhance vaccine efficacy and oral health in older adults, and this trial will focus on its ability to maintain or improve physical and immunologic functioning in individuals aged 65 and above.
Leading the trial, Professor Bonnie LaFleur noted that, pending FDA approval, the study is expected to span six years. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either rapamycin or a placebo for two years, followed by an additional year of observation. Several ancillary studies will also be conducted to further investigate health improvements in older adults.
Researchers will assess two primary outcomes: the impact of rapamycin on physical function, particularly its ability to delay frailty, and its effect on levels of the inflammatory marker IL-6, which is linked to age-related diseases. The goal is to determine if rapamycin can reduce IL-6 levels in the bloodstream.
“As we unlock the secrets of longevity and healthy aging, we are reminded that the promise of science must always be in service to society,” said Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, the university’s senior vice president for research and partnerships. He highlighted the institution’s mission to apply research discoveries for the well-being of people globally.
John-Paul Roczniak, president and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation, commented, “Insights from this research will help support healthy aging, something that affects all of us.” He expressed gratitude for Coit’s philanthropy, which continues to propel scientific progress.
The Coit Family Foundation, a major contributor to the university’s $3 billion Fuel Wonder campaign, has donated over $75 million since 2017, underscoring its commitment to advancing science and education.
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