Biohacker Bryan Johnson Swaps Son's Blood for Plasma Exchange in Anti-Aging Quest

Bryan Johnson, a prominent tech entrepreneur and biohacker known for his radical anti-aging quest, has announced a shift in his controversial blood infusion practice. Instead of injecting his son's blood, Johnson has opted for a total plasma exchange (TPE) procedure. This change comes as Johnson believes that TPE will extend his lifespan even further than the previous method.

Total Plasma Exchange, also known as Therapeutic Plasma Exchange, is a medical procedure that involves removing a patient's blood, separating the plasma, replacing it with a substitute, and returning the blood to the body. Advocates of TPE claim that it can treat a wide range of ailments, including myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, neuropathy, Wilson's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, long-haul COVID, and age-related issues like Alzheimer's and anti-aging.

Johnson's TPE treatment involves removing all his blood, separating the plasma, and replacing it with a solution containing 5% albumin and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). IVIG is a concentrated mixture of antibodies derived from donated human plasma, commonly used to boost the immune system or treat immune-related disorders. The treatment follows a bi-weekly protocol, including two TPE sessions followed by IVIG infusions four days apart.

Medical experts agree that the treatment has some therapeutic value. Shannon Starweather, Director of Operations at Seattle-based TPE provider Neuroveda Health, likens the procedure to an "oil change for your blood," removing, cleaning, and separating the plasma before returning it with albumin. However, the treatment is not suitable for patients with active cancer or people under 15. While Johnson presented test results to emphasize the treatment's effectiveness, Starweather notes that efficacy is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Despite its benefits, TPE is not without risks. Dr. Paul Savage, Chief Medical Officer at Chicago-based TPE provider MDLifespan, warns that it can occasionally lead to side effects like mild electrolyte imbalances, temporary low blood pressure, or reactions to anticoagulants. The frequency of TPE must be carefully considered, as excessive treatments without appropriate medical oversight may strain the body's ability to maintain homeostasis. Nevertheless, Savage emphasizes the benefits of therapeutic plasma exchange treatments, highlighting its impact on immune and metabolic function, which can lead to increased energy, improved cognitive clarity, and enhanced immune resilience.