Overview
Life Extension is a science-based supplement brand founded in 1980 by longevity advocates Saul Kent (1939-2023) and William Faloon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The company is known for its research-backed formulations and commitment to funding anti-aging research.
In 2018, the parent organization was renamed from Life Extension Foundation to Biomedical Research & Longevity Society (BRLS). The company remains privately held and family-controlled.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1980
- Founders: Saul Kent, William Faloon
- Headquarters: 900 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
- Parent Company: Biomedical Research & Longevity Society (private)
- Employees: ~500
- DSLD Products: 2,000+ products
- E-commerce Ranking:
- iHerb: #7 by total ratings (1,672,127 ratings)
Corporate History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1977 | Saul Kent and William Faloon found Florida Cryonics Association |
| 1980 | Life Extension Foundation established |
| 1987 | FDA raid on LEF premises (charges later dropped) |
| 1995-96 | All FDA charges dismissed |
| 2013 | IRS revokes nonprofit status (reinstated 2018) |
| 2018 | Renamed to Biomedical Research & Longevity Society |
| 2023 | Co-founder Saul Kent passes away |
Ownership Structure
Biomedical Research & Longevity Society (Private)
│ • Formerly: Life Extension Foundation
│ • Founded: 1980
│ • Headquarters: Fort Lauderdale, FL
│ • President: Saul Kent (deceased 2023)
│ • VP/De facto CEO: William Faloon
│
├── Life Extension Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
│ │ • Commercial operations
│ │ • Supplement sales
│ │
│ └── Life Extension® Brand Portfolio
│ ├── Life Extension (main line)
│ ├── Wellness Code
│ ├── Florassist (probiotics)
│ ├── Geroprotect (longevity)
│ ├── Gummy Science
│ └── Omega Foundations
│
└── Life Extension Buyer's Club (Historical)
• Membership-based sales
• Separate EIN from foundation
Brand Portfolio
Main Brand: Life Extension
DSLD Brand ID: 196 Products: 1,962
Core product categories:
- Vitamins & minerals
- Anti-aging formulas
- Cardiovascular health
- Brain health / Nootropics
- Hormone support
Sub-brands
| Sub-brand | Focus | DSLD Products |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness Code | Wellness formulas | 41 |
| Florassist | Probiotic line | 25 |
| Geroprotect | Longevity/anti-aging | 7 |
| Gummy Science | Gummy supplements | 6 |
| Omega Foundations | Omega-3 products | 3 |
Product Philosophy
Core Principles
- Research-Funded: Funds anti-aging and longevity research
- Science-Based: Formulas based on published studies
- Premium Ingredients: Higher doses, clinically studied forms
- Transparency: Full ingredient disclosure
- Longevity Focus: Products designed to extend healthspan
Notable Formulations
- Two-Per-Day: High-potency multivitamin
- Super K: Comprehensive vitamin K formula
- AMPK Metabolic Activator: Longevity-focused
- NAD+ Cell Regenerator: Anti-aging
- Cognitex: Brain health formula
Market Position
Competitive Advantages
- Longevity Expertise: Pioneer in anti-aging supplements
- Research Commitment: Funds scientific research
- Premium Positioning: Higher quality, higher price point
- Loyal Customer Base: Strong membership model
- Science Credibility: Extensive published research
E-commerce Performance
| Platform | Total Ratings | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| iHerb | 1,672,127 | #7 |
Controversies
FDA Conflicts (1987-1996)
The Life Extension Foundation had significant conflicts with the FDA:
- 1987: Armed FDA raid on LEF premises
- 1995-96: All charges eventually dropped
- Foundation emerged as critic of FDA regulation
Tax Status (2013-2018)
- 2013: IRS revoked nonprofit status (retroactive to 2006)
- Issue: Operations too entwined with for-profit sales
- 2018: Tax-exempt status reinstated
Distribution Partnerships
Life Extension serves as US distributor for select international products:
| Partner | Product | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Helsinn Integrative Care | Pomi-T | US Distribution |
Related Companies
Competitors
| Brand | Focus | Similarity |
|---|---|---|
| Thorne Research | Science-based | ⭐⭐⭐ Premium positioning |
| Pure Encapsulations | Hypoallergenic | ⭐⭐ Science-based |
| Jarrow Formulas | Branded ingredients | ⭐⭐ Research focus |
Data Sources
- Life Extension Official Website
- Wikipedia - Biomedical Research & Longevity Society
- Wikipedia - William Faloon
- Tracxn - Life Extension
- DSLD Database (brand_id: 196, 2,000+ products)
- from_the_refinery investigation (Group 2502)
Generated by DogTag System | Last verified: 2025-12-20