Bryan Johnson, the 47-year-old tech entrepreneur known for his extreme anti-aging efforts, has recently discontinued his use of rapamycin, a drug he had been taking for nearly five years as part of his longevity regimen. This decision has sparked renewed discussion about the potential risks and benefits of using drugs like rapamycin for anti-aging purposes.
## Rapamycin and Longevity
Rapamycin, also known as sirolimus, is an immunosuppressant drug typically prescribed to organ transplant patients to prevent rejection. However, it has gained attention in the longevity community due to its potential anti-aging properties:
– Studies have shown that rapamycin can extend lifespan in various organisms, including mice[2].
– It is believed to work by inhibiting the mTOR pathway, which plays a key role in aging and age-related diseases[2].
– Some researchers and longevity enthusiasts have been exploring its off-label use for anti-aging purposes[2].
## Johnson’s Rapamycin Protocol and Decision to Discontinue
Bryan Johnson had been taking rapamycin as part of what he described as the “most aggressive rapamycin protocol of anyone in the industry”[1]. His regimen included:
– Biweekly doses of 13 milligrams[1][4]
– Various other protocols, including weekly and alternating weekly schedules[4]
However, after nearly five years of use, Johnson decided to stop taking rapamycin in September 2024[1][3]. He cited several reasons for this decision:
1. Side effects: Johnson experienced occasional skin and soft tissue infections, abnormal fat levels in his blood, elevated blood sugar, and a higher resting heart rate[1][4].
2. Limited benefits: The potential benefits did not justify the “hefty side effects” in his assessment[1][4].
3. New research: A pre-print study suggested that rapamycin might actually accelerate aging in humans across 16 epigenetic aging clocks[10].
## Risks and Side Effects of Rapamycin
While rapamycin has shown promise in longevity research, it comes with potential risks and side effects:
1. Immunosuppression: As an immunosuppressant, rapamycin can potentially increase susceptibility to infections[2][9].
2. Metabolic effects: It may cause hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance[2].
3. Other side effects: These can include mouth sores, anemia, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, and high blood pressure[2].
4. More serious risks: In rare cases, it may lead to blood clots, stroke, or pulmonary embolism[2].
Dr. Oliver Zolman, a longevity specialist who works with Johnson, noted that the drug could cause severe bacterial infections, including pneumonia, cellulitis, and pharyngitis[4][9].
## The Debate on Rapamycin for Longevity
Johnson’s decision to discontinue rapamycin highlights the ongoing debate in the longevity community:
– Proponents argue that the potential life-extending benefits outweigh the risks, especially at lower doses used for anti-aging purposes[2].
– Critics caution against using drugs off-label without sufficient long-term human studies[2].
– Some researchers suggest that the optimal use of rapamycin for longevity may require individualized, disease-oriented dosing[2].
Recent studies have yielded mixed results. A study conducted by Ageless, an online pharmacy offering low-dose rapamycin for longevity, involved more than 100 participants taking either rapamycin or a placebo weekly for nearly a year. The study revealed no significant differences in physical benefits or adverse effects between the groups, although individuals on rapamycin reported a general sense of improved health[2].
## Implications for Anti-Aging Research
Johnson’s experience with rapamycin underscores the complexities and potential risks associated with using pharmaceuticals for anti-aging purposes. While rapamycin continues to be a subject of interest in longevity research, its use outside of approved medical indications remains controversial.
The case also highlights the challenges of conducting long-term longevity studies in humans. Instead, researchers are initiating new clinical trials to assess how rapamycin influences age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and various biological aging markers[2].
## Johnson’s Ongoing Anti-Aging Efforts
Despite discontinuing rapamycin, Johnson remains committed to his anti-aging regimen, known as “Project Blueprint”[3]. This includes:
– Spending $2 million annually on medical diagnostics and treatments[1]
– A meticulously crafted regimen of eating, sleeping, and exercising[1]
– Exploring other experimental treatments, such as total plasma exchange[1][4]
Johnson’s approach has raised eyebrows among experts, many of whom caution against the unproven efficacy of such treatments and the risks they may entail[3].
## Conclusion
Bryan Johnson’s decision to stop taking rapamycin serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in anti-aging research and the potential risks associated with off-label use of medications. While the pursuit of longevity continues to captivate researchers and enthusiasts alike, this case underscores the importance of rigorous scientific study and careful consideration of potential side effects. As the field of anti-aging medicine evolves, it’s clear that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and optimal use of drugs like rapamycin in humans.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ndtv.com/feature/anti-ageing-influencer-bryan-johnson-ditches-longevity-medicine-over-health-concerns-7440729
[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/24/well/live/rapamycin-aging-longevity-benefits-risks.html
[3] https://thebrewnews.com/thebrew-news/bryan-johnson-rapamycin/
[4] https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/bryan-johnson-who-has-over-50-pills-a-day-ditches-use-of-longevity-drug-over-side-effects-12908096.html
[5] https://www.numenor.health/blog/the-rapamycin-problem
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB__cLL0zX4
[7] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/bryan-johnson-discontinues-longevity-drug-after-concerns-it-may-have-accelerated-aging/articleshow/117125430.cms
[8] https://www.mensfitness.com/news/bryan-johnson-stops-taking-rapamycin
[9] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/age-reversing-millionaire-bryan-johnson-who-gulps-down-54-pills-for-breakfast-ditches-longevity-drug-rapamycin-health/articleshow/117120535.cms
[10] https://gizmodo.com/longevity-obsessed-tech-millionaire-discontinues-de-aging-drug-out-of-concerns-that-it-aged-him-2000549377
[11] https://www.yahoo.com/news/tech-mogul-anti-aging-drug-133641103.html
[12] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6814615/
[13] https://nypost.com/2025/01/09/health/anti-aging-guru-bryan-johnson-ditches-controversial-drug-after-infections/
