Tech Entrepreneur Bryan Johnson Stops Rapamycin Use Over Health Concerns

Tech entrepreneur and anti-aging advocate Bryan Johnson has discontinued his use of rapamycin, a drug not approved by the FDA for anti-aging, after experiencing adverse health effects. Johnson, 47, revealed that the drug, which he had been taking for nearly five years, may have aged him and caused infections.

Johnson, who spent millions on his quest to reverse aging, had been taking 13 milligrams of rapamycin every two weeks. Rapamycin, an immunosuppressant typically used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients, has been prescribed off-label by some physicians for its potential longevity benefits, based on studies in mice. However, Johnson reported side effects such as skin infections, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal lipid levels.

In a November 2024 post on X, Johnson stated, “On September 28th, I decided to stop rapamycin, ending almost 5 years of experimentation with this molecule for its potential. Despite the immense potential from pre-clinical trials, my team and I came to the conclusion that the benefits of lifelong dosing of Rapamycin do not justify the hefty side effects.” He cited intermittent skin and soft tissue infections, lipid abnormalities, glucose elevations, and increased resting heart rate as reasons for discontinuing the drug.

Johnson’s decision comes amid the release of a Netflix documentary, “Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever,” which highlights his aggressive anti-aging regimen. The documentary describes his rapamycin protocol as the most aggressive in the industry. Medical experts featured in the documentary also raised concerns about the long-term use of rapamycin for longevity purposes.

Rapamycin, discovered in the 1970s and originally isolated from soil on Easter Island, has shown promise in extending the lifespan of mice. However, preclinical and clinical research has indicated that prolonged use can disrupt lipid metabolism, induce insulin and glucose intolerance, and potentially increase cancer risk by inhibiting natural killer cells.

Johnson, who spends $2 million annually on medical diagnostics and treatments, remains committed to his anti-aging mission. He has previously undergone experimental procedures, including a total plasma exchange and a blood transfusion with his teenage son. Despite setbacks, Johnson continues to explore new methods to slow or reverse the aging process.