Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) in London: An Evidence-Led Guide by Reborne Longevity
- 3 days ago
- 13 min read
Exploring Advanced Therapies in Longevity Medicine & Health Optimisation
Executive Summary:
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) has been used in hospital medicine for over 50 years.
Researchers are investigating its potential applications in longevity medicine.
At Reborne Longevity, treatment is offered following comprehensive physician assessment.
TPE forms one part of a broader personalised longevity programme.
Current research is ongoing and treatment recommendations are guided by clinical evidence.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is one of the most established procedures in modern medicine for the removal of harmful circulating substances from the blood. For more than 50 years, it has been routinely performed within the NHS and hospitals around the world to treat a range of recognised autoimmune, neurological, renal and haematological conditions.
Although TPE is widely used within specialist NHS centres, access remains limited due to the highly specialised equipment and clinical expertise required to deliver treatment safely. As a result, only a small number of private providers currently offer Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in the UK. Reborne Longevity is among the limited number of private providers in the UK offering Therapeutic Plasma Exchange, delivering the same Terumo technology used within NHS and international hospital settings.
At Reborne Longevity, we believe innovative therapies should be delivered responsibly, supported by robust clinical governance, comprehensive patient assessment and ongoing outcome monitoring. Through our strategic UK partnership with Circulate Health and collaboration with GlycanAge, we follow evidence-informed protocols while contributing to the evolving understanding of how plasma exchange may support personalised longevity care.
To explore this rapidly evolving field, Reborne Longevity recently hosted an exclusive Breakfast Event: Therapeutic Plasma Exchange and Biological Age: Exploring the Evidence at our Marylebone clinic. The event brought together leading voices in longevity science and clinical medicine, including Faye Mythen, CEO of Reborne Longevity, Nikolina Lauc, CEO and Co-Founder of GlycanAge, and Sergio Riva, Technology Lead at Terumo, for an expert panel discussing the science, clinical evidence and future of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange.
Meet the Panel
Faye Mythen | Founder, Reborne Longevity
Nikolina Lauc | CEO & Co-Founder, GlycanAge
Sergio Riva | Technology Lead, Terumo
The discussion explored how TPE works, where it sits within established medicine, its emerging role in longevity care and the importance of combining innovative therapies with robust clinical governance. Throughout the morning, our panel shared insights from their respective fields, offering a balanced perspective on one of the emerging developments in personalised longevity medicine.
We've summarised the key discussions from the panel, highlighting the latest evidence, practical insights and clinical considerations surrounding Therapeutic Plasma Exchange.
Part 1 | What is Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE)? How Does Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Work?
"When I discovered Therapeutic Plasma Exchange, I was profoundly excited. It has been used in hospital medicine for decades, and now we're beginning to understand its potential within longevity medicine."
Faye Mythen | Founder, Reborne Longevity
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) works by removing and replacing the plasma, the liquid component of your blood. While the process is straightforward in principle, it supports a series of complex biological mechanisms that researchers are continuing to investigate.
Your plasma, the liquid portion of your blood, is made up predominantly of water, but it also carries thousands of proteins, antibodies, hormones, clotting factors and other circulating molecules that help regulate your body's normal functions. Over time, and in certain medical conditions, inflammatory proteins and other circulating factors can accumulate in the bloodstream. Researchers are increasingly exploring how these age-related changes may contribute to chronic, low-grade inflammation, often referred to as inflammaging, and the biology of ageing.
During TPE, blood is separated into its cellular components and plasma using a centrifuge. The plasma is removed and replaced with a sterile 4.5% human albumin solution before the blood cells are returned to the body. A standard single-volume exchange removes approximately 60-65% of many circulating plasma proteins and other large molecules present within the bloodstream at the time of treatment. This is the established mechanism by which TPE is used in conventional medicine and is now being investigated for its potential applications within longevity medicine.
At Reborne Longevity, our vision has always been to bridge the gap between advanced scientific research and personalised patient care. Through our partnerships with Circulate Health and GlycanAge, we combine advanced diagnostics with Therapeutic Plasma Exchange to create a physician-led care pathway focused on ongoing clinical assessment, personalised monitoring and long-term health.
"We wanted to offer not just a diagnostic pathway where people get stuck with data they don't know what to do with, but an active therapy that may support health where clinically appropriate."
Faye Mythen | Founder, Reborne Longevity
Key Takeaways
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange has been used safely in hospital medicine for decades.
A single treatment exchanges approximately one plasma volume, removing around 60-65% of circulating plasma proteins and other large molecules.
At Reborne, every treatment recommendation is personalised, evidence-led and supported by advanced diagnostics and ongoing clinical monitoring.
Part 2 | The Patient Journey: What Happens During a TPE Treatment?
"After a single procedure treating one plasma volume, you can remove approximately 60% to 63% of the target proteins from the plasma."
Sergio Riva | Technology Lead, Terumo
If Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is recommended following your consultation, every treatment at Reborne Longevity follows a carefully structured, physician-led pathway designed to prioritise safety, comfort and personalised care.
Your journey begins with a comprehensive medical assessment, during which your physician reviews your medical history, treatment goals and detailed blood tests, including clotting markers such as fibrinogen, to ensure TPE is both appropriate and safe for you.
On the day of treatment, a member of our experienced clinical team will prepare you for the procedure. Where appropriate, ultrasound vein mapping may be used to help identify the most suitable veins before you are connected to our Terumo centrifuge-based system.
A typical session lasts 2.5 to 3 hours, during which most patients choose to read, work or simply relax while remaining under continuous clinical supervision. Following treatment, you will be observed before returning home the same day. Where appropriate, biomarkers such as GlycanAge may be repeated to help evaluate your progress and guide your ongoing personalised care plan.
"It is a highly passive, comfortable treatment. You sit, watch TV, chat or use your iPad."
Faye Mythen | Founder, Reborne Longevity
The number of treatments recommended varies according to your medical condition, health goals and clinical response. While some patients may benefit from a single treatment, others may be advised to follow a personalised programme involving multiple sessions or periodic maintenance, with every recommendation guided by ongoing clinical assessment.
Key Takeaways
Every patient undergoes a comprehensive medical assessment before treatment.
A typical TPE session lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with most patients reading, working or relaxing throughout.
Around 60-65% of many circulating plasma proteins and other large molecules are exchanged during a standard treatment.
Most patients tolerate the procedure well and return home the same day.
Every treatment plan is personalised, with the number and frequency of sessions determined by your individual clinical needs.
Part 3 | The Bigger Picture: TPE Within Longevity Medicine
"Our mission at GlycanAge is to make this incredible science practical."
Nikolina Lauc | CEO & Co-Founder, GlycanAge
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is not a standalone treatment or quick fix. At Reborne Longevity, it forms part of our broader P4 Medicine philosophy, a systems-based approach developed by physician and systems biologist Dr Leroy Hood. This framework recognises that the future of medicine lies not only in treating disease, but in understanding and optimising health before illness develops.
Our approach is built around four key principles:
Predictive – Using advanced diagnostics, biomarkers and, where appropriate, genetic and glycan analysis to identify potential health risks before symptoms appear.
Preventative – Supporting long-term health through proactive, evidence-informed interventions. Where clinically appropriate, therapies such as Therapeutic Plasma Exchange are integrated alongside nutrition, exercise, hormone optimisation and lifestyle medicine.
Personalised – Every treatment plan is tailored to your individual biology, medical history and health goals, creating a care pathway designed specifically for you.
Participatory – Lasting health is built through partnership. We empower patients to take an active role in their wellbeing through ongoing monitoring, education and informed decision-making.
Whether a single treatment or a longer-term programme is recommended depends on your individual health profile, treatment goals and clinical response. Some patients may benefit from a single treatment, while others may follow a personalised programme with periodic maintenance as part of their long-term care. Every recommendation is guided by ongoing clinical assessment and the latest available evidence
"We don't offer therapies simply because they're trendy. We only introduce treatments when the science and our medical board support them."
Faye Mythen | Founder, Reborne Longevity
Key Takeaways
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is one component of a broader P4 Medicine approach to personalised longevity care at Reborne.
Treatment recommendations are tailored to your biology, health goals and clinical response.
TPE complements, rather than replaces, nutrition, exercise, hormone optimisation and other physician-led interventions.
Reborne introduces innovative therapies only when supported by robust scientific evidence and clinical governance.
Long-term health is achieved through personalised care, ongoing monitoring and active patient participation.
Part 4 | Why Reborne Chose Its Technology and Clinical Partners
"We needed to partner with the right people, understand what we're measuring and know when we're doing good."
Faye Mythen | Founder, Reborne Longevity
At Reborne Longevity, every aspect of our Therapeutic Plasma Exchange programme has been carefully selected to reflect our commitment to evidence-led medicine, patient safety and clinical excellence.
Our TPE programme is delivered using a Terumo centrifuge-based system, the same technology widely used across leading NHS and international hospital centres. By separating plasma using centrifugal force rather than filtration membranes, centrifuge technology enables efficient plasma separation while preserving blood components. It has an established clinical safety profile and delivers precise, controlled plasma exchange within a carefully monitored, physician-led environment.
"We chose to partner with Terumo because it's the technology trusted by the NHS and leading hospitals."
Faye Mythen | Founder, Reborne Longevity
Beyond the technology itself, Reborne is the strategic UK and European clinical partner of Circulate Health, a US-based clinical provider and research organisation specialising in Therapeutic Plasma Exchange. Through this partnership, we follow evidence-informed treatment protocols and are informed by published clinical experience and collaborative research.
Our clinical pathways are further strengthened through collaboration with GlycanAge and other research partners, enabling advanced biomarker testing, ongoing outcome monitoring and continued contribution to the evolving understanding of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange within longevity medicine.
Together, these partnerships reflect Reborne's philosophy that innovation should always be guided by scientific collaboration, rigorous clinical governance and continuous learning.
Key Takeaways
Reborne uses the same Terumo technology employed in NHS and international hospital settings.
Centrifuge-based Therapeutic Plasma Exchange offers efficient plasma separation with an established clinical safety profile.
As the strategic UK and European clinical partner of Circulate Health, Reborne follows evidence-informed TPE protocols informed by extensive clinical experience.
Collaborations with GlycanAge and other research partners support advanced diagnostics, biomarker monitoring and personalised longevity care.
Every aspect of the programme is designed around clinical evidence, patient safety and physician-led care.
Part 5 | Emerging Research: TPE & Alzheimer's Disease
Although Therapeutic Plasma Exchange has long been established within hospital medicine, one of the most active areas of current Alzheimer's research is its potential role in the disease.
Researchers believe that replacing plasma may help remove circulating inflammatory molecules and other age-associated factors that could contribute to neurodegeneration, while simultaneously replenishing beneficial plasma proteins through albumin replacement. This hypothesis has led to several significant clinical studies exploring whether plasma exchange could influence the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Among the most notable is the international AMBAR (Alzheimer's Management by Albumin Replacement) study, which investigated Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The study suggested that plasma exchange with albumin replacement may slow aspects of cognitive and functional decline in certain patient groups, although further research is required before conclusions can be drawn.
Whilst these findings are promising, Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease and further research is required to better understand which patients may benefit most. At Reborne Longevity, any patient with a neurological condition undergoes comprehensive specialist assessment, with treatment recommendations made only where clinically appropriate and guided by the latest available evidence.
Final Thoughts
"We wanted to offer not just a diagnostic pathway where people get stuck with data they don't know what to do with, but an active therapy that may support health where clinically appropriate”.
Faye Mythen | Founder, Reborne Longevity
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange represents the convergence of established hospital medicine, advanced diagnostics and personalised longevity care. Used safely within the NHS for decades, TPE is now being explored through an expanding body of research investigating its potential role in ageing biology, inflammation and neurodegenerative disease.
At Reborne Longevity, we believe innovation should always be grounded in evidence. Every treatment recommendation is made within a physician-led framework, supported by advanced diagnostics, ongoing monitoring and rigorous clinical governance, ensuring patients have access to care informed by the latest scientific developments and the highest standards of medical care.
Following the panel discussion, guests had the opportunity to put their questions directly to our expert speakers. Topics ranged from patient eligibility and treatment protocols to safety, research partnerships and the future of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange within longevity medicine.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from the audience, together with insights from our clinical team.
Q&A
Who is Therapeutic Plasma Exchange suitable for, and what results can patients expect?
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) has an established role in modern medicine for a range of recognised autoimmune, inflammatory, neurological and haematological conditions. Ongoing research is also exploring its potential role in selected longevity programmes and research into healthy ageing.
At Reborne Longevity, TPE may be considered, following comprehensive medical assessment, for selected patients with:
Elevated Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]
Autoimmune diseases
Certain neurological conditions
Severe inflammatory states
Selected longevity research programmes.
Expected outcomes depend on the condition being treated and the individual's clinical profile. TPE is designed to reduce circulating inflammatory proteins, antibodies and other plasma components, where some studies have reported measurable reductions in selected inflammatory biomarkers following treatment, although clinical significance varies according to the condition being treated.
For patients with markedly elevated Lp(a), TPE is one of the few established treatments capable of reducing circulating Lp(a) levels. Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is also being investigated in neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's disease through the landmark AMBAR study. As this remains an evolving area of medicine, neurological patients are assessed within a specialist multidisciplinary pathway, with treatment recommendations guided by the latest available evidence.
Where appropriate, TPE is incorporated into a broader personalised programme that may also include advanced diagnostics, nutrition, exercise, hormone optimisation and other physician-led interventions.
Is Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Safe?
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) has an established safety profile when performed within recognised clinical protocols, with appropriate patient selection and experienced clinical supervision.
Every patient begins with a comprehensive medical assessment, including blood tests and clotting markers such as fibrinogen, to determine whether treatment is appropriate. Where clinically indicated, additional investigations, including GlycanAge and Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] testing, may also be performed to support personalised treatment planning.
On the day of treatment, blood is gently separated into plasma and blood cells using our Terumo centrifuge-based system. The plasma is replaced with a sterile 4.5% human albumin solution, while your blood cells are continuously returned throughout the procedure.
How long does TPE take? Treatment typically lasts 2.5 to 3 hours, during which most patients choose to read, work or simply relax while remaining under continuous clinical supervision. Most people tolerate TPE well, although temporary side effects such as light-headedness, mild fatigue, temporary calcium shifts or minor electrolyte changes can occur. These are closely monitored and managed by our experienced clinical team.
Why is TPE so difficult to access?
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange requires specialist equipment, highly trained clinicians and dedicated clinical infrastructure. While routinely performed within specialist NHS hospitals, relatively few centres offer the treatment, making access in the private sector exceptionally limited. Reborne Longevity is among the limited number of UK private providers of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange using the same Terumo technology employed in NHS and international hospital settings.
How much does TPE cost, and is it covered by private medical insurance?
Every Therapeutic Plasma Exchange pathway at Reborne Longevity begins with a comprehensive clinical consultation to determine whether treatment is appropriate for your individual health needs and goals.
Initial consultation: £250 (redeemable against treatment)
Single Therapeutic Plasma Exchange session: £5,300
If your clinician recommends a series of treatments, the most appropriate treatment pathway and associated package pricing will be discussed during your consultation.
Insurance cover depends on your provider, policy and the clinical indication for treatment.
For recognised medical conditions where Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is an established treatment, such as certain severe autoimmune diseases or selected inherited conditions including markedly elevated Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], some private insurers may provide cover, subject to their individual criteria and pre-authorisation requirements.
By contrast, Therapeutic Plasma Exchange undertaken as part of a preventative or longevity-focused programme is generally considered investigational and is not typically covered by private medical insurance or the NHS.
Our clinical team can provide the medical documentation required to support insurance enquiries, although all funding decisions remain at the discretion of your insurer.
How do I know whether TPE is right for me?
The first step is a consultation with one of our experienced clinicians.
Following a detailed review of your medical history, health goals and comprehensive diagnostic testing, we will determine whether Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is appropriate for your individual needs. Where suitable, TPE is incorporated into a personalised, physician-led care plan that may also include advanced diagnostics, nutrition, hormone optimisation, lifestyle medicine and ongoing health monitoring.
Every recommendation is guided by clinical evidence, comprehensive assessment and your long-term health goals, ensuring your treatment is both personalised and appropriate for you.
How can I learn more?
If you would like to learn more about Therapeutic Plasma Exchange or arrange an initial consultation, please contact the clinical team at Reborne Longevity.
Every treatment pathway begins with careful medical assessment, personalised recommendations and ongoing clinical support, ensuring that all care is delivered safely, responsibly and according to the latest available evidence.
Medical Review & Disclaimer
This article has been reviewed by Reborne Longevity's clinical leadership team and reflects the current evidence available at the time of publication.
This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Treatment recommendations are made only following consultation with a qualified clinician and are based on an individual's medical history, assessment and current evidence.
References
Padmanabhan A, Connelly-Smith L, Aqui N, et al. Guidelines on the Use of Therapeutic Apheresis in Clinical Practice – Evidence-Based Approach from the Writing Committee of the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA). Journal of Clinical Apheresis. (Latest edition).
Relkin NR, Thomas RG, Rissman RA, et al. Plasma Exchange in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AMBAR): A Randomised, Controlled Clinical Trial. Alzheimer's & Dementia.
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT). Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) Clinical Resources and Spectra Optia® System Documentation.
GlycanAge. Scientific publications on IgG glycosylation, biological age assessment and inflammation. https://glycanage.com/publications
Hood L, Flores M. A Personal View on Systems Medicine and the Emergence of Proactive P4 Medicine. New Biotechnology.
Franceschi C, Garagnani P, Parini P, Giuliani C, Santoro A. Inflammaging: A New Immune–Metabolic Viewpoint for Age-Related Diseases. Nature Reviews Endocrinology.
Wyss-Coray T. Ageing, Neurodegeneration and Brain Rejuvenation. Nature.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Relevant guidance on therapeutic apheresis, neurological disorders and lipid disorders where applicable.
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). Therapeutic Apheresis Services. https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk
Circulate Health. Clinical information and physician resources relating to Therapeutic Plasma Exchange.
European Society for Clinical Apheresis (ESCA). Position statements and clinical guidance on therapeutic apheresis.
American Academy of Neurology (AAN). Practice guidance relating to plasma exchange in neurological disorders.
European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS). Consensus statements on Lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular risk.
World Health Organization (WHO). Healthy Ageing Framework and healthy ageing strategy.
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