Rapamycin Origin Story: Easter Island Community Sees No Benefit From Anti-Aging DrugS millions in Profits
RAPA NUI, EASTER ISLAND – A life-extending drug with origins on Easter Island has generated millions for pharmaceutical companies, yet the island’s indigenous Rapa Nui people have received no economic benefit or scientific recognition for their contribution, sparking a debate over biopiracy and indigenous rights.
The story began with a 1969 expedition to Rapa Nui, ostensibly to Document Ecosystem Biodiversity and Analyze the effects of external contact on health of the island’s nearly 1,000 inhabitants. During the research, Rapa Nui people provided Biological samples of local flora and fauna, though reports indicate their participation was secured through a combination of subsons, gifts and pressure of religious figures.
Years later, in 1970, Ayerst Research Laboratories analyzed the samples and isolated rapamycin, a molecule produced by the soil bacterium Streptomyces hydroscopicus. Rapamycin demonstrated antifungal and antibacterial properties. Subsequent research revealed the drug Inhibits a protein known as MTOR, a regulator of cell growth and the immune system, effectively reducing inflammations and slowing cell aging.
Despite these breakthroughs, the Rapa Nui people were excluded from the financial gains. The medicine generated Millionaire profits to pharmaceutical companies without providing economic benefits, or scientific recognition to the community, nor were they offered privileged access to the drug itself.
The case has opened an argument on indigenous rights and biopiracy, raising questions about the appropriation of traditional knowlege and biological resources without consent or fair compensation.
One current researcher of rapamycin stated in May 2025 that he considers the situation unfair, advocating for the scientific community to initiate dialog with the Rapa Nui people to explore collaborative actions.
