Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Linked to Reduced Biological Age in Clinical Trial
A groundbreaking clinical trial has revealed that therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), when combined with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), can lead to a significant reduction in biological age. The study, documented in the journal Aging Cell, indicates that participants experienced an average decrease in biological age by approximately 2.6 years, as assessed through multi-omic biomarkers.
This research, spearheaded by Circulate Health and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, marks a pivotal advancement in understanding the potential of TPE in improving health span and longevity. David Furman, a senior author of the study and an associate professor at the Buck Institute, emphasized the importance of clinical trials in demonstrating the efficacy of longevity interventions.
TPE is a medical procedure that separates and removes a patient's plasma to treat various diseases. This trial specifically aimed to evaluate how TPE affects biomarkers associated with biological aging, including alterations across the epigenome, proteome, metabolome, glycome, and immune system, in addition to physical assessments of balance and strength.
Participants in the study were divided into four groups: one receiving biweekly TPE, another receiving biweekly TPE with IVIG, a third group undergoing monthly TPE, and a control group. The findings revealed that those receiving the combination of TPE and IVIG exhibited the most notable decrease in biological age, averaging a reduction of 2.61 years, while those receiving TPE alone saw an average decrease of 1.32 years.
Additionally, participants who underwent TPE with IVIG demonstrated changes in immune cell profiles that suggest a reversal of age-related immune decline. This treatment appeared to modulate proteins associated with cellular senescence and restore imbalances in immune cell composition, potentially enhancing the body's capacity to combat infections and age-related diseases.
The greatest benefits were observed in individuals with poorer baseline health indicators, such as elevated levels of bilirubin, glucose, and liver enzymes, who experienced the most significant reductions in biological age. Even among healthier participants, improvements were noted in balance and strength.
While the most significant treatment effects were observed after the initial three sessions, subsequent treatments yielded diminishing returns. This suggests that optimizing the timing of treatments or coupling them with additional interventions could enhance long-term outcomes.
Brad Younggren, CEO and Co-founder of Circulate, remarked that this study is the first interventional multi-omics investigation into the efficacy of TPE, providing strong evidence that plasma exchange, alongside IVIG, can serve as a powerful tool for rejuvenating biological age.
Moreover, Eric Verdin, President and CEO of the Buck Institute, noted that the study's extensive analysis of molecular signatures allows for a better understanding of predictive biomarkers for treatment response, laying the groundwork for personalized intervention strategies in the future.
The researchers are optimistic about expanding their studies to larger populations, increasing access to these promising therapies for eligible patients, and identifying further applications where these interventions could significantly impact health outcomes.