Bryan Johnson, the American technology entrepreneur who has become known for his attempts to halt the ageing process, once again became a focal point of online conversation after suggesting he might experiment with ketamine, a potent anaesthetic.
The remark came after a social media post compared his strict health regime to that of Hunter Biden, son of former US President Joe Biden. The post read: “Hunter Biden looks better at 55 on a steady diet of ketamine and blow than Bryan Johnson looks at 47 after micro-calibrating the air in the sleep room where he logs his boners.”
In response, Johnson wrote: “Starting ketamine and blow today.”
He later clarified in a separate comment: “Ketamine reverses biological age and depression. It might be worth trying. Blow not so much.”
Johnson, who has championed a philosophy he refers to as “Don’t Die”, also cited a pre-print research paper involving six ketamine infusions across two to three weeks. He claimed the study showed that the treatment reduced depression scores, metabolic and brain age, inflammation, and a range of additional biological measures.
The comments provoked a wave of reactions on social media. Many cautioned Johnson against the idea, pointing out the risks of misuse. One user warned: “Ketamine can oneshot people into psychosis or addiction, so it might be irresponsible to boost it.” Another added: “Jfc, this is irresponsible and this is me saying that.”
Some responses, however, carried a more tongue-in-cheek tone. One person wrote: “I can’t believe Bryan Johnson is telling me to do ketamine. This is the best day of my life.” Another cautioned from personal experience: “As someone who has hung out with ketamine users long enough to see the negative repercussions, I highly recommend not going down this road.”
The debate also recalled comments from Elon Musk, currently the world’s wealthiest individual, who has admitted to taking “prescription” ketamine. Musk previously said that the treatment helped him overcome “dark mental holes”.
Johnson, 47, has poured millions into a programme aimed at slowing, and potentially reversing, the biological clock. Reports suggest he spends approximately $2 million annually on diagnostics, medical interventions, and a highly regimented plan covering nutrition, exercise, and sleep.
The entrepreneur, who made his fortune in his thirties after selling his payments firm to eBay, has devoted his career since to what he sees as a full-time mission: stopping the ageing process altogether.
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