Key Highlights:
April 9, 2025 | San Francisco:
Bryan Johnson, the high-profile tech entrepreneur who famously spends over $2 million annually on his anti-aging protocol, has admitted that one of the most touted drugs in his longevity toolkit may have done the opposite of what it promised.
In a recent YouTube video, Johnson, now 46, dropped a bombshell: his five-year experiment with the anti-aging drug rapamycin might have actually sped up his biological aging. Known for his Blueprint routine and extreme biohacking protocols, Johnson candidly shared his discovery — and his regrets.
Rapamycin: From Lifespan Hero to Biological Villain?
Rapamycin, originally developed as an immunosuppressant for organ transplant patients, gained notoriety in longevity circles after a 2009 study found that it extended the lifespan of mice by 14%. Johnson, along with many in the biohacking community, believed it could do the same for humans.
But reality didn’t align with expectations. Despite careful dosing and monitoring, Johnson started noticing red flags:
- Mouth ulcers
- Slow-healing wounds
- Elevated cholesterol and blood sugar
- Increased resting heart rate
For Johnson, the last metric was especially concerning, as resting heart rate plays a critical role in sleep and recovery — two cornerstones of his protocol.
Yale Study Delivers the Final Blow
What truly sealed Johnson’s decision to stop using rapamycin was a recent Yale University study. Contrary to earlier studies, researchers found that rapamycin actually accelerated biological aging across 16 epigenetic markers — a crushing blow for those banking on the drug as a silver bullet for longevity.
“I’m Laughing With You”: Johnson’s YouTube Confession
In his video, Johnson didn’t shy away from the irony of his situation. “To those of you laughing at home, I’m laughing with you,” he said with a wry smile. The self-proclaimed human experiment remains undeterred.
“It’s important to talk about both the successes and the failures. That’s how we all learn.” — Bryan Johnson
Netizens React: Applause for Honesty
Public reaction was largely positive, with many viewers commending Johnson’s transparency. One viewer commented:
“This is one of your best vids by far. Adequate scientific explanation, owning up to mistake.”
Another wrote:
“Tip of the spear. I may not agree with everything Bryan Johnson does, but I applaud his courage in sharing this journey.”
Supplements Under Fire: The Dr. Cyriac Philips Feud
Johnson’s rapamycin fallout isn’t his only recent controversy. Indian hepatologist Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips publicly criticized his Blueprint supplement line, calling it “snake oil” and demanding scientific proof.
Despite the criticism, Johnson did not produce clinical trials or peer-reviewed studies. Instead, he issued vague remarks about ingredient quality, leading to further skepticism from the medical community. The episode raised new ethical concerns around marketing unproven biohacking products.
What’s Next for Bryan Johnson?
While Johnson has pulled rapamycin from his routine, his mission to slow — or reverse — aging is far from over. Known for using experimental therapies including plasma exchange, full-body MRIs, stem cell injections, and even blood transfusions from his son, Johnson has positioned himself as the most extreme face of modern longevity science.
And despite his setback, Johnson is not giving up:
“This isn’t a failure — it’s a recalibration. I’ll keep exploring. I’ll keep sharing.”
Bryan Johnson’s rapamycin regret is a stark reminder of the complexities of human biology — and the risks of turning oneself into a full-time lab experiment. As the biohacking trend gains mainstream traction, his journey serves both as inspiration and cautionary tale.
Whether future science vindicates or condemns rapamycin, Johnson’s bold transparency ensures that his misstep will contribute to the broader conversation on what it really means to pursue immortality.
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