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Longevity Race: $2M a Year to Reverse Aging
5 Jan
Summary
- Bryan Johnson spends $2 million annually on anti-aging regimens.
- The longevity industry reframes aging as a solvable problem.
- Many companies face skepticism and mixed track records in trials.
The longevity industry, an ambitious offshoot of the Quantified Self movement, is transforming aging from an inevitability into a problem to be solved. Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson leads this charge, investing $2 million annually in a rigorous regimen of supplements, therapies, and strict protocols to slow his biological aging. This pursuit has inspired new startups, such as Circulate Health, focusing on rejuvenating plasma infusions.
Silicon Valley's approach involves creating investment categories around novel solutions to natural processes. Companies like Elysium Health offer NAD-boosting supplements, while Fountain Life provides AI-driven health optimization memberships. Retro Biosciences is developing cellular rejuvenation drugs. However, the scientific basis for many such interventions is contested, and the industry has seen cautionary tales, including Unity Biotechnology's delisting and BioAge Labs' halted drug trial.
Despite skepticism and mixed results, funding continues to pour into longevity, fueled by aspirational personalities and the concept of "healthspan." While basic health measures like exercise and diet remain crucial for longevity, the industry primarily targets those who can afford premium interventions. The core promise of the longevity industry is achieving transformation through capital and biological insight, though its accessibility and ultimate success for the broader population are yet to be determined.
