Russian scientist’s drug claim after Putin discussed ‘living to 150’ | World | News

A Russian scientist has made the bombshell claim that the world’s first anti-aging drug is being developed, just months after Vladimir Putin said people could one day live to be 150. The Kremlin-backed initiative is said to focus on slowing down the biological processes behind aging. Researchers are reportedly working on a gene therapy treatment that targets the RAGE gene, which is linked to cellular degradation.

Russian science and education minister Denis Sekirinsky claimed that scientists in the country are approaching a potential breakthrough. Speaking at the longevity medicine forum in Saransk, he said: “[A promising area] It is the gene therapy of aging.” The RAGE gene is a receptor whose activation triggers cellular senescence, whereas blocking this gene can, on the contrary, prolong cellular youth. Based on this principle, an ambitious goal was set to develop the world’s first gene therapy drug that specifically blocks this receptor. “This field is based on advanced genetic technologies and represents one of the most promising avenues in the fight against aging.”

The project is reportedly being led by the Institute of Aging and Medical Biology as part of a broader Kremlin push to unlock longer lives.

Sources claimed that Russian scientists were ordered to present their latest anti-aging research, leading to speculation that the program could benefit Putin and his inner circle.

One source previously claimed: “The biggest boss [Putin] “They set a mission and the authorities rushed to implement it in every possible way.”

Another explained: “We were asked to send all our developments urgently, and the letter, say, arrived today and everything was supposed to be sent yesterday.”

Experts were reportedly told to suggest ways to reduce cell degradation, prevent cognitive and sensory decline, repair the immune system, and develop new technologies, including bioprinting.

This comes after Putin laid out his goal of extreme longevity. Speaking last November he said: “It is probably possible to get to 150, adding: “Just like with money, there will always be very little. Always.”

In a separate hot mic moment, the Russian leader allegedly discussed near-immortality with Xi Jinping: “Human organs can be transplanted permanently. The longer you live, the younger you become.”

Putin has been in power for two decades but has shown little sign of preparing a successor, fueling speculation that he may seek to rule Russia in the coming years.

Some observers have suggested that his eldest son, Ivan Spirodonov, may aim to rule the country until he reaches political age.

The Kremlin has launched a national project aimed at “protecting the health” of citizens, with the goal of saving 175,000 lives by 2030.

But the push for longevity comes amid the human cost of Russia’s war in Ukraine, which is believed to have cost hundreds of thousands of lives.

Putin’s alleged ambitions also suffered a setback last year with the death of his long-time anti-aging consultant Professor Vladimir Khavinson, aged 77.

Khavinson, who heads the St Petersburg Institute of Biological Regulation and Gerontology, has claimed to be working on ways to increase human lifespan to 110 or even 120, and once described Putin as “perfect” compared to former leaders Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov and Boris Yeltsin.

Investigative journalist Ilya Davlyatchin was skeptical of the more extreme claims, suggesting Putin might aim for a more modest age of 97.

“This year is 2050,” he said. “It’s very simple; then the eldest son Ivan will be 35, which is the age at which one can be elected as an MP. [Russian] presidential duty.”

Despite bold claims, there is currently no confirmed evidence that any country has developed a drug that could significantly delay human aging.