Peter Attia Steps Down as Chief Science Officer at David Protein Amid Epstein Scandal Fallout

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the health and wellness industry, Dr. Peter Attia, the renowned longevity expert and bestselling author, has abruptly stepped down from his role as Chief Science Officer at David Protein, the rapidly growing maker of high-protein nutrition bars. The announcement, made on X (formerly Twitter) by David Protein founder Peter Rahal, comes just days after Attia’s name surfaced in over 1,700 documents released in connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The timing couldn’t be more precarious for David Protein, which has been riding a wave of explosive growth since launching its flagship product—a protein bar boasting 28 grams of protein, zero sugar, and just 150 calories—in September 2024. The three-year-old New York-based company raised a staggering $75 million Series A funding round last May, led by Greenoaks Capital with participation from Valor Equity Partners, valuing the startup at a reported $400 million.

Attia’s departure represents more than just a corporate shakeup; it’s a dramatic fall from grace for one of the most influential voices in preventive health and longevity medicine. The Canadian-American physician catapulted to mainstream prominence with his 2023 bestseller “Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity,” which spent months on The New York Times bestseller list and has sold over a million copies worldwide. His podcast, “The Peter Attia Drive,” has amassed a devoted following of health enthusiasts, biohackers, and Silicon Valley executives eager to optimize their lifespan and healthspan.

Just last month, Attia expanded his media presence by joining CBS as a contributor, a move that now seems particularly ill-timed given the current circumstances. The network has not yet commented on whether this new partnership will continue in light of recent developments.

In a lengthy and candid post on X, Attia addressed the controversy head-on, expressing shame over “crude and embarrassing” email exchanges with Epstein that were revealed in the document dump. However, he maintained that he was never involved in any criminal activity and emphasized that he never visited Epstein’s infamous island or traveled on his private plane. Attia went on to explain the complex circumstances that led to his initial connection with Epstein and why he continued the relationship even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction on charges of soliciting prostitution from a minor.

The fallout appears to extend beyond David Protein. TechCrunch has learned that Biograph, the healthcare testing and longevity startup co-founded by Attia alongside entrepreneur John Hering, may also be distancing itself from the physician. Multiple pages on Biograph’s website that previously featured Attia’s name and contributions now return “file not found” errors, and the company has declined to comment on his ongoing involvement with the venture.

Biograph, which emerged from stealth mode last year with backing from high-profile investors including Vy Capital, Human Capital, Alpha Wave, WndrCo, and angel investor Balaji Srinivasan, offers premium preventive health services to subscribers paying between $7,500 and $15,000 annually. The company positioned itself as “the world’s most advanced preventive health and diagnostics clinic,” with Attia prominently featured in its initial press release and marketing materials as a co-founder.

The timing of these revelations is particularly damaging for Attia, who has built his brand on the principles of optimization, discipline, and ethical living. His entire professional identity revolves around helping people make better decisions about their health and longevity—values that now seem at odds with his past associations.

Industry analysts suggest that David Protein’s swift action in accepting Attia’s resignation demonstrates the company’s commitment to maintaining its carefully cultivated image as a health-focused brand. “In the nutrition and wellness space, trust is everything,” notes Sarah Chen, a consumer goods analyst at Morgan Stanley. “Having a high-profile scientific advisor embroiled in controversy, regardless of the specifics, creates an immediate credibility problem.”

The protein bar market, valued at over $17 billion globally, is fiercely competitive, with consumers increasingly scrutinizing ingredient lists and brand values. David Protein’s rapid ascent was largely attributed to its clean-label positioning and Attia’s scientific credibility. Without his involvement, the company may need to work harder to differentiate itself in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

For Attia, the professional consequences could be severe. Beyond losing his position at David Protein and potentially his role at Biograph, he faces an uncertain future with CBS and potential impacts on his speaking engagements, consulting work, and book sales. The longevity industry, which has attracted significant investment from tech billionaires and venture capital firms, may become more hesitant to associate with figures connected to controversial personalities.

As the story continues to develop, questions remain about the full extent of Attia’s relationship with Epstein and what other revelations might emerge. For now, both David Protein and the broader health and wellness industry are left grappling with the implications of losing one of their most prominent scientific voices at a critical juncture in the company’s growth trajectory.

Tags: Peter Attia, David Protein, Jeffrey Epstein, longevity, health scandal, nutrition bars, Biograph, preventive health, protein supplements, corporate controversy, wellness industry, scientific advisor resignation, high-protein snacks, health optimization, startup drama

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