Roatán, a Caribbean island, is becoming a hotspot for affluent individuals seeking experimental gene therapies and longevity treatments.

At the heart of this trend is the charter city of Prospera, founded by Erick Brimen, which offers low tax rates, accepts Bitcoin as currency, and imposes no regulations on medical practices.

In 2024, Prospera introduced a 'pop-up city' named Vitalia, aimed at attracting innovators and biohackers while promoting a lifestyle focused on longevity and enhanced sensory experiences.

Among the cutting-edge treatments available is follistatin gene therapy, which has shown promising results in animal studies by extending mice lifespans by 32.5% and is currently recruiting volunteers for human clinical trials.

This therapy, priced at $25,000, is illegal in the United States but is touted for its ability to enhance the body's self-repair capabilities.

Additionally, the Minicircle clinic in Prospera offers stem cell therapy, a burgeoning field in regenerative medicine, although treatments can be expensive, costing around $20,000.

Bryan Johnson, a biohacker who underwent the therapy in early 2024, reported significant health improvements, including a decrease in his aging rate and an increase in muscle mass.

Johnson's treatment included a unique safety feature that allows for reversal using an antibiotic in case of adverse effects.

Prospera is still under construction, with a projected population of 38,000 by 2030 and an anticipated foreign investment exceeding $500 million by 2025.

However, some locals on Roatán express concerns that the influx of medical tourism linked to Prospera does not benefit the broader community and fosters an exclusive environment.