High-Profile Longevity Influencers
When exploring what famous people take rapamycin, the list is not dominated by Hollywood actors or musicians but rather by figures within the niche world of longevity and biohacking. These are individuals who actively research and experiment with cutting-edge, and sometimes controversial, therapies to extend their lifespan and healthspan.
Dr. Peter Attia: A Longtime Advocate
Dr. Peter Attia, a Stanford and Johns Hopkins-trained physician, is one of the most prominent public figures associated with rapamycin. As a key voice in the longevity field and host of the popular The Peter Attia Drive podcast, he has openly discussed his personal use of rapamycin for years. Attia detailed his experiences in his best-selling book, Outlive, helping to cement rapamycin's status as a longevity tool among his followers. His approach is grounded in what he calls "Medicine 3.0," a preventative model focused on addressing the root causes of aging and chronic disease. While he is a vocal supporter, he also discusses the limited human data and potential risks, advocating for a cautious, medically supervised approach.
Bryan Johnson: A Cautious Experimenter
Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, known for his ambitious and highly data-driven "Blueprint" protocol to reverse aging, included rapamycin in his regimen for an extended period. Johnson’s public and meticulously tracked experiments brought rapamycin into the mainstream conversation about biohacking and extreme longevity efforts. However, his journey provides a crucial cautionary tale. In early 2025, after five years of use, Johnson publicly announced he had stopped taking rapamycin. He cited concerns over side effects and disappointing data from his extensive health monitoring, concluding that for him, the risks of lifelong dosing did not justify the purported benefits. His experience highlights the experimental nature of off-label rapamycin use.
Deepak Chopra: The Wellness Guru
Deepak Chopra, a well-known alternative health and wellness author, has also confirmed his use of rapamycin. He told the Wall Street Journal that he has been taking a weekly dose as part of his overall longevity regimen. This places the experimental drug within a broader wellness context that includes yoga, meditation, and supplements. Chopra's status and public statements further contribute to rapamycin's visibility beyond the typical longevity enthusiast community.
Dr. Matthew Kaeberlein: A Researcher's Perspective
Dr. Matthew Kaeberlein is another notable figure who has publicly disclosed his personal use of rapamycin. As a longevity researcher and CEO of a longevity startup, his experience provides a unique perspective. He brings an informed, scientific understanding to the decision to use the drug, which is not common among general consumers. His involvement underscores the fact that some within the scientific community are also willing to personally experiment with potential anti-aging interventions.
The Context of Off-Label Use
It is crucial to understand that rapamycin's use for longevity is considered "off-label." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it only for specific medical conditions, primarily to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. Many longevity enthusiasts, including some famous people who take rapamycin, obtain the drug through licensed clinics that prescribe it off-label or, in some cases, via overseas providers. This practice raises significant questions about safety, dosage, and long-term effects, as human clinical trials for longevity are still ongoing and limited.
Rapamycin vs. Other Longevity Treatments
To better understand rapamycin’s place, it is helpful to compare it to other longevity and anti-aging interventions publicly used by famous people.
| Feature | Rapamycin (Sirolimus) | NAD+ Precursors (NMN, NR) | General Wellness Routines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mode of Action | Inhibits mTOR pathway, promoting cell cleanup (autophagy). | Increases NAD+ levels, important for cellular energy metabolism and DNA repair. | Focuses on foundational health through diet, exercise, and sleep. |
| Known Users | Dr. Peter Attia, Deepak Chopra, Bryan Johnson (stopped). | Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Aniston, Joe Rogan. | Tom Brady, Jeff Bezos. |
| Clinical Status | Prescription drug, off-label use for longevity is experimental. | Supplements; effectiveness in humans varies and is still debated. | Universally accepted as beneficial for overall health. |
| Potential Risks | Mouth sores, infections, increased cholesterol and blood sugar, immune suppression. | Generally considered low-risk, but long-term effects are unknown. | Minimal risk when implemented correctly. |
The Mechanisms and Controversy Surrounding Rapamycin
At its core, rapamycin functions by inhibiting a protein called the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). The mTOR pathway is a central regulator of cell metabolism and growth, and its activity is known to be elevated with age. By periodically inhibiting mTOR with rapamycin, researchers believe it can trigger a cellular "clean-up" process known as autophagy, potentially leading to slower aging and disease prevention.
However, this mechanism is also the source of the drug’s controversy. As an immunosuppressant, rapamycin’s primary function is to suppress the immune system, which is a significant risk for healthy individuals. Furthermore, while animal studies have shown lifespan extension in yeast, worms, and mice, results from human studies are less clear-cut and often show mixed or minimal benefits for longevity.
Conclusion
The most prominent famous people who take rapamycin or have done so are found within the health and longevity community, not the entertainment industry. Figures like Dr. Peter Attia, Deepak Chopra, and formerly Bryan Johnson have brought attention to the drug, fueled by its proven effects in animal studies. While these individuals have amplified the conversation around rapamycin, the critical takeaway remains: its use for longevity in humans is experimental, controversial, and not without risks. As more research emerges, the public can better weigh the potential benefits against the clear uncertainties.
For an in-depth look at rapamycin's mechanism and research, consult authoritative sources such as the National Institutes of Health. NIH: Effect of rapamycin in ovarian aging.
