Bryan Johnson Drops Rapamycin Over Longevity Risks and Controversial Side Effects

Bryan Johnson Drops Rapamycin Over Longevity Risks and Controversial Side Effects

Tech entrepreneur and longevity enthusiast Bryan Johnson has halted his use of the controversial drug rapamycin, citing concerns over potential adverse effects. Johnson, known for his eccentric anti-aging regimen, had been experimenting with rapamycin for nearly five years, consuming biweekly doses of 13mg — a protocol he claimed was one of the most aggressive in the longevity community.

Rapamycin, originally used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients, has gained attention for its potential to extend lifespan in preclinical trials. However, it is not FDA-approved for anti-aging purposes. Johnson revealed he experienced troubling side effects, including skin infections, elevated blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, and a higher resting heart rate. After extensive testing, Johnson and his team concluded that the risks outweighed the benefits, leading to his decision to discontinue the drug entirely.

Medical professionals have expressed reservations about rapamycin’s off-label use for longevity. Dr Oliver Zolman, Johnson’s physician, warned of the drug’s ability to suppress the immune system, leaving users vulnerable to severe infections. Harvard professor Dr Vadim Gladyshev also emphasised the need for well-designed experiments to evaluate rapamycin’s effectiveness in slowing human ageing.

Johnson’s decision was further influenced by a recent study suggesting rapamycin might increase biological ageing under certain measures. Despite his withdrawal from the drug, research into its potential continues, with studies underway to assess its impact on oral health and ovarian ageing.

Besides rapamycin, Johnson is known for his unconventional anti-ageing practices, including plasma exchanges, early morning dinners, and even shockwave therapy. While his quest for longevity raises eyebrows, it also sparks debate over the boundaries of modern anti-aging science.

Source: New York Post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.