In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander welcomes Dr. Eric Verdin, president and CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. They discuss groundbreaking findings on therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE)—a medical procedure that filters aging-related factors from blood—and its potential role in slowing or even reversing aspects of biological aging.

Key Points:

Therapeutic plasma exchange shows early promise in reversing biological age markers and improving immune and metabolic profiles. While still experimental, it could become part of a future toolkit to extend healthy lifespan. For now, the best “longevity therapy” remains living well today.

• From Young Blood to Plasma Exchange: Early mouse studies (parabiosis) showed that exchanging blood between young and old animals could rejuvenate tissues. This inspired TPE in humans, which removes old plasma and replaces it with a protein solution, diluting harmful aging factors.
• Clinical Trial Evidence: Dr. Verdin’s team conducted one of the first rigorous clinical trials of TPE, testing different frequencies and protocols. Results showed a measurable reduction in biological age markers—on average 1–2.5 years—after treatment.
• Role of Epigenetic Clocks: Researchers analyzed over 30 biological age “clocks.” While not all aligned, many indicated a positive shift toward a younger biological profile, highlighting TPE’s measurable impact at the molecular level.
• Immunoglobulin Boost: Participants who received plasma exchange plus immunoglobulins (antibodies) showed the strongest rejuvenation effect, suggesting immune modulation may enhance outcomes.
• Safety and Practicality: TPE is an FDA-approved procedure already used for autoimmune conditions. In this trial, side effects were rare and mild, but the procedure is time-intensive, costly, and not yet ready for widespread anti-aging use.
• Lifestyle Still Matters Most: Dr. Verdin emphasized that proven lifestyle factors—exercise, diet, sleep, stress reduction, and social connection—remain the foundation for extending healthspan. TPE may one day complement these but is not a substitute.