Here’s what we’ll cover in this blog post:
- What is Invokana®?
- Understanding how Invokana® works
- Broader benefits
What Is Invokana®?
Invokana® belongs to a class of medications known as SGLT2 Inhibitors. Originally developed and FDA approved to help manage blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, its story has evolved well beyond glucose control. Today, Invokana®, or Canagliflozin, is also recognized for protecting heart and kidney health, even in people without diabetes, and is gaining attention in the longevity field as a possible tool for extending healthspan.
How Does Invokana® Work?
The kidneys filter nearly 180g of sugar per day, just under half a pound, reabsorbing about 90% via the SGLT2 transporter, a molecular sugar straw.
Invokana® works by blocking this transporter. Instead of reabsorbing sugar, the kidneys allow excess glucose to be flushed out in urine. This not only helps regulate blood sugar, but also leads to a modest calorie loss that triggers some of the same cellular pathways activated by caloric restriction, one of the most robust interventions known to slow aging in laboratory models.
By plugging the straw, Invokana® helps remove excess sugar while also nudging cells into repair and cleanup mode.
Evidence of Broader Benefits
Cardiovascular and Kidney Protection
Large clinical trials show that canagliflozin, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Invokana®, can reduce cardiovascular death by 22%, lower the risk of heart failure hospitalization by 39%, and slow kidney disease progression by 25–40% in people with type 2 diabetes. These benefits appear quickly, sometimes within weeks of starting therapy, and extend to non-diabetic individuals with heart failure or chronic kidney disease.
Cognitive Health
Emerging research suggests SGLT2 inhibitors may support brain health. Observational studies report a lower risk of dementia and reduced incidence of Parkinson’s disease in those using SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Invokana®. Preclinical work hints at mechanisms such as improved cerebral blood flow, reduced neural inflammation, and enhanced ketone availability, providing “cleaner” fuel to the brain.
Longevity Pathways
Invokana® appears to tap into several molecular switches tied to aging:
- AMPK activation (enhances fat burning, mitochondrial renewal)
- mTOR inhibition (stimulates autophagy, cellular cleanup)
- IGF-1 reduction (improves insulin sensitivity and stress resistance)
- NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition (lowers chronic inflammation)
These are the same pathways influenced by caloric restriction and fasting, suggesting Invokana® acts as a caloric restriction mimetic. Across clinical studies, SGLT2 inhibitors have shown reductions in all-cause mortality ranging from 14% to 51%. In mouse models, Canagliflozin extended both median and maximum lifespan when started in midlife. This evidence has positioned Invokana® as one of the best-supported FDA-approved candidates for healthspan improvement.
The research is clear: Invokana® goes far beyond glucose control. In fact, its benefits may touch the heart, kidneys, brain, and even the aging process itself. Ready to see if it’s right for you? Explore Invokana® with a free medical intake from a licensed AgelessRx clinician, and take the next step forward in your longevity journey.
Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.