EVERYTHING
According to Muscleandfitness, the biohacking community is transitioning from foundational habits like sleep and diet toward sophisticated "Beyond Biohacking" techniques. As individuals achieve baseline health goals, interest is shifting toward clinical-level innovations such as gene therapy and cellular reprogramming to address aging and physical performance.
Protein upregulation through plasmid technology
A notable trend involves a more accessible version of gene therapy that utilizes two specific proteins: klotho and follistatin. Unlike traditional genetic modification, these methods do not alter the user's actual genome. Instead, they work by upregulating other proteins that the body is already capable of manufacturing. Klotho has been linked to cognitive function and cellular aging, while follistatin is associated with muscle growth.
Recent data supports the potential of these biological pathways:
- A 2025 meta-analysis involving more than 6,600 subjects found a statistically significant link between Klotho levels and improved cognitive function.
- Research published in PNAS demonstrated that a single gene-therapy injection of a follistatin variant increased muscle size and strength in animal models for over two years.
- Plasmid technology allows for a single subcutaneous injection of small circular DNA molecules to provide instructions for protein production for up to one year.
Distinction between peptides and gene therapy
It is important to distinguish these new therapies from standard peptide injections. While a peptide delivers a finished product that the body eventually uses up—requiring frequent daily or weekly doses—gene therapy provides the instructions for the cell to become its own factory. This approach offers the appeal of long-term support from a single administration.
Despite the excitement, experts note that human research remains limited compared to animal studies. Many early adopters are part of small, self-selected groups rather than large clinical trials. For instance, tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson has utilized these therapies, and Dave Asprey has advocated for their use despite the lack of widespread FDA oversight in some jurisdictions. The current focus remains on balancing the potential gains in longevity against the unknown risks of emerging biotechnologies.
A Phase 1 trial sponsored by Minicircle is currently recruiting to test this combination of klotho and follistatin on humans to further establish safety and efficacy profiles.