Are Rapamycin and Sirolimus the Same

Name: Are Rapamycin and Sirolimus the Same
Uploaded: 2025-01-06T13:00:40+00:00
Duration: 34 s
Channel: Dr. Charles Mok
Description: Dr. Charles Mok explains why rapamycin and sirolimus are the same drug with two names. The compound was first isolated on Easter Island around 1972…

6 Jan 2025 · 1 min

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Dr. Charles Mok explains why rapamycin and sirolimus are the same drug with two names. The compound was first isolated on Easter Island around 1972, developed as a medication in the 1990s, and now comes in an expensive FDA-approved topical form or a cheaper compounded version.

Questions this video answers

About 1972.

In the 1990s.

About a decade or so (speaker's phrasing).

Yes — the speaker states there is an FDA‑approved topical form which the speaker describes as stronger than needed and very expensive.

Chapters

Now, why do we have the name rapamycin and sirolimus? The United States adopted names. Console calls rapamycin Sirolimus. Chemists call rapamycin rapamycin, and it's called that because it was found on the island of Rapa Nui, that's Easter island. First isolated about 1972, became a drug in the 90s, and we've been using it as a topical form for about a decade or so. There is an FDA approved topical form which is more strength than you need and it's very, very expensive. I just use a compound version which is a fraction of the cost.