Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, a renowned liver specialist from Kerala known as ‘The Liver Doc,’ has publicly criticized American millionaire Bryan Johnson for promoting potentially harmful anti-ageing supplements through his company, Blueprint. Johnson, who is recognized for his ambitious anti-ageing project known as Project Blueprint, aims to reverse biological ageing through sleep optimization, exercise, and nutrition. However, Dr. Philips has sharply criticized these products, calling them “dangerous” and “useless.”
This exchange marks the growing controversy surrounding Bryan Johnson’s anti-ageing regimen and its associated products. Dr. Philips, who has a strong following due to his expertise in liver health, raised concerns on social media about the safety and scientific backing of Johnson’s supplements. He compared Johnson’s practices to those of notorious figures like Elizabeth Holmes, the convicted founder of Theranos, and Australian influencer Belle Gibson, who falsely claimed to have cancer.
Criticism of Bryan Johnson’s Approach to Anti-Ageing
Dr. Philips described Johnson’s actions as “terrifying” and accused him of selling expensive products with little or no scientific evidence supporting their claims. He referred to the supplements as “snake oil” and expressed disappointment over how the public seemed to overlook Johnson’s questionable practices. Dr. Philips further criticized Johnson for targeting “poorly informed health and science illiterates,” instead of investors, suggesting that his approach was more focused on exploiting people’s fears rather than presenting credible solutions.
Taking the debate further, Dr. Philips claimed that Johnson, unlike Elizabeth Holmes who swindled investors, was misleading the general public with his obsession with immortality. He likened Johnson’s behavior to that of Belle Gibson, suggesting that Johnson was lying about his efforts to reverse ageing and, in essence, was misrepresenting his quest for eternal youth. Johnson’s methods, which include expensive and experimental treatments like shock therapy and blood transfusions from his son, have raised doubts about the credibility of his anti-ageing claims.
Bryan Johnson’s Response to the Criticism
In response, Bryan Johnson, who has spent millions of dollars on his anti-ageing mission, quickly dismissed Dr. Philips’ criticism on social media. His response was simple but mocking: “Cyriac, why are you so angry? Who hurt you?” Johnson defended his Blueprint program by emphasizing that his products, which include extra virgin olive oil, proteins, nuts, and various nutrients, are supported by “independent and robust scientific evidence.” He further claimed that all products are third-party tested and publicly available for analysis, ensuring both transparency and affordability.
Despite Johnson’s defense, his unconventional lifestyle has continued to spark public debate. The tech entrepreneur, who made his fortune by selling his company Braintree to PayPal, has been open about his extreme anti-ageing practices, which include taking 54 pills daily and undergoing experimental medical procedures. His methods have drawn significant attention and raised questions about their legitimacy. Public scrutiny also surrounds his secretive personal life, including his divorce, relationships with prostitutes, and psychedelic drug use, adding fuel to the ongoing controversy.
