The Optispan Podcast with Matt Kaeberlein

Dr. Stanfield Mortgaged His House For $150k To Prove Longevity Drug Works

Nov 11, 2025
Guest
Brad Stanfield
Dr. Brad Stanfield, a primary care physician and YouTube communicator from New Zealand, shares his passion for longevity research. He reveals his bold decision to remortgage his house to fund a rapamycin clinical trial. The discussion dives into the importance of evidence-based medicine and the complexities of supplements like vitamin D. Stanfield critiques biological age clocks and emphasizes the difference between preventive care in New Zealand and the U.S., while urging a focus on rigorous, patient-centered clinical trials for better insights into aging.
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INSIGHT

Dosing To Toggle mTOR And Autophagy

  • Weekly rapamycin dosing may allow autophagy during off-periods and mTOR activation during exercise.
  • Measuring functional muscle outcomes offers a realistic translational trial endpoint rather than lifespan studies.
ANECDOTE

Trial Cost And Submission Status

  • The rapamycin trial cost about $500,000; after fundraising gaps, Brad and supporters covered a $150,000 shortfall.
  • The 40-person study is complete, written, and submitted for peer review with promising results.
ADVICE

Use CONSORT For Trial Rigor

  • Use the CONSORT checklist when designing and reporting randomized controlled trials to minimize bias.
  • Follow CONSORT to ensure robust randomization, blinding, funding transparency, and adequate powering.
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