27 December 2023
Johnson’s quest for immortality leads him to a controversial gene therapy treatment on a tropical island
Bryan Johnson, the tech mogul known for his extravagant anti-aging regimen, has recently undergone a radical gene therapy treatment in his pursuit of immortality. The 46-year-old entrepreneur, who spends $2 million per year to maintain an 18-year-old’s body, flew to an island off Honduras to receive the experimental treatment. Backed by billionaire tech mogul Peter Thiel and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the startup company Minicircle Inc. claims that their gene therapy can boost muscle mass, increase bone density, reduce body fat, and potentially extend lifespan. Johnson’s decision to undergo this treatment reflects his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of human longevity.
The Promise of Gene Therapy
Johnson firmly believes that gene therapies hold the key to achieving his goal of living to the age of 200. While he acknowledges the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and sleep, he recognizes that these practices alone cannot guarantee extreme longevity. Gene therapies, on the other hand, offer the potential to enhance and extend human life in unprecedented ways.
The Controversial Treatment
Minicircle Inc., the company behind the gene therapy, operates out of Roatán, a tropical island off the coast of Honduras. The choice of location is due to the island’s lax regulations, which are necessary for a treatment that has yet to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, the therapy’s claims of increased longevity have been met with skepticism from the scientific community. Critics argue that there is no substantial evidence to support the company’s assertions and raise concerns about potential adverse effects, such as cancer or liver failure.
The Mechanism of Action
The gene therapy administered by Minicircle aims to enhance the body’s production of follistatin, a protein that triggers a process leading to increased muscle production. By introducing new genetic instructions into human cells, the therapy seeks to improve tissue composition, extend lifespan, increase bone density, decrease body fat, and enhance overall well-being. Early studies in mice have shown promising results, including a 34% increase in lifespan and improvements in muscle mass and bone density.
Early Human Trials
Minicircle claims to have conducted a trial involving 44 participants ranging from 23 to 89 years old. The results purportedly showed an average reduction of 11 years in genetic age, along with improvements in muscle mass, bone density, body fat reduction, and enhanced well-being. While these findings are intriguing, the lack of published studies and scientific scrutiny raises concerns about the treatment’s efficacy and safety.
Bryan Johnson’s Role
Bryan Johnson’s decision to undergo the gene therapy treatment has attracted significant attention due to his high-profile status and extreme anti-aging regimen. Despite his immense wealth, Johnson was not charged for the treatment, as Minicircle recognized the value of his endorsement and the potential to attract a larger clientele. Johnson’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of human longevity has garnered him a cult following, with many fascinated by his pursuit of immortality.
Conclusion:
Bryan Johnson’s recent foray into gene therapy underscores the growing interest in extending human lifespan and the controversial methods being explored to achieve this goal. While the potential benefits of gene therapy are tantalizing, the lack of scientific evidence and the potential risks associated with these treatments raise ethical and safety concerns. As the pursuit of immortality continues, it is essential to balance scientific progress with rigorous research and ethical considerations to ensure the well-being of individuals seeking these radical interventions.
