Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Reduces Biological Age

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), especially when combined with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), is showing significant promise as a credible anti-aging therapy. In a groundbreaking clinical trial conducted by Circulate Health in partnership with the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, researchers demonstrated that TPE with IVIG reduced biological age by an average of 2.6 years.

This is the first clinical trial to provide human data using multi-omic biomarkers—spanning the epigenome, proteome, metabolome, glycome, and immune system—making it one of the most data-driven longevity studies to date.

Clinical Study Design on Therapeutic Plasma Exchange

The study, published in Aging Cell on May 28, 2025, was a single-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were divided into four groups:

1. Biweekly therapeutic plasma exchange

2. Biweekly TPE with IVIG

3. Monthly TPE

4. Control group (no intervention)

Participants receiving biweekly TPE with IVIG saw the greatest drop in biological age—an average of 2.61 years—while those receiving TPE alone experienced a 1.32-year reduction. This makes a strong case for the combined intervention being far more effective.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Enhances Immune Function and Physical Vitality

What makes this treatment particularly exciting is its impact on age-related immune decline. Those undergoing TPE with IVIG showed rejuvenation in immune cell composition and suppression of cellular senescence markers. These changes suggest better immune resilience, potentially reducing vulnerability to age-related diseases, especially chronic inflammatory conditions.

Beyond molecular changes, participants—especially those with weaker baseline health (elevated bilirubin, glucose, and liver enzymes)—saw improvements in physical attributes like balance and strength. Even healthy individuals experienced positive effects, pointing toward broad applicability of the therapy.

What’s Next for TPE and Longevity?

Interestingly, the most noticeable improvements occurred after the first three treatments, after which diminishing returns were observed. This suggests future protocols may benefit from spaced-out sessions or multi-modal approaches for sustainable benefits.

According to Dr. Brad Younggren, CEO of Circulate, “These findings confirm the power of TPE with IVIG as a tool for biological age rejuvenation.”

Dr. Eric Verdin, CEO of the Buck Institute, added, “We now have a scientific foundation to personalize therapeutic plasma exchange based on individual biomarker profiles.”

This research lays the groundwork for future trials, broader access, and targeted longevity interventions.

For more information: Fuentealba, M., et al. (2025). Multi‐Omics Analysis Reveals Biomarkers That Contribute to Biological Age Rejuvenation in Response to Single‐Blinded Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Therapeutic Plasma Exchange. Aging Cell. doi.org/10.1111/acel.70103.