Russian leader has openly discussed the possibility of humans living to 150 (Image: AP)
A Russian scientist has made a bombshell claim that the world’s first anti-aging drug is being developed – just months after Vladimir Putin suggested humans could live to be 150 a day. The Kremlin-backed effort is said to focus on slowing the biological processes behind aging, with researchers reportedly working on a gene-therapy treatment targeting the so-called RAGE gene, which is linked to cellular decline.
Russian Minister of Science and Education Denis Sekirinsky claimed that the country’s scientists are getting closer to a potential breakthrough. Speaking at a longevity medicine forum in Saransk, he said: “(A promising area) is gene therapy of aging.” He added: “The RAGE gene is a receptor whose activation triggers cellular aging, while, conversely, blocking this gene can prolong cellular youth. Based on this principle, an ambitious goal has been set – to develop the world’s first gene-therapy drug that specifically blocks this receptor. This area relies on advanced genetic technologies and represents one of the most promising methods in the fight against aging.”
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The project is reportedly being led by the Institute of Biology of Aging and Medicine as part of a broader Kremlin campaign to unlock longer lives.
Sources claim Russian scientists have been ordered to present their latest anti-aging research, leading to speculation that the program could benefit Putin and those close to him.
A source previously claimed: “The biggest boss (Putin) set a task, and officials rushed to implement it in every possible way.”
Another revealed: “We were asked to send all our developments urgently, and the letter came, let’s say, today, and everything was to be sent tomorrow.”
Experts were reportedly asked to propose ways to reduce cell degradation, prevent cognitive and sensory decline, repair the immune system and develop new technologies, including bioprinting.
This comes after Putin revealed his extreme longevity ambitions. Speaking last November, he said: “It’s probably possible to get to 150,” he added: “It will always be very low, just like money.” Always.”
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping were reportedly heard discussing how humans could live to be 150 years old (Image: Poole/AFP via Getty Images)
In a separate hot mic moment, the Russian leader was reportedly heard discussing immortality with Xi Jinping, saying: “Human organs can be transplanted continuously. The longer you live, the younger you become.”
Despite two decades in power, Putin has shown little sign of grooming a successor, leading to speculation that he may seek to rule Russia for years to come.
Some observers have suggested that he may aim to rule until his eldest son Ivan Spirodonov 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.
Yet the long-term campaign comes amid the human cost of Russia’s war in Ukraine, which is believed to have taken hundreds of thousands of lives.
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Putin’s stated ambitions were also dealt a blow last year by the death last year of his longtime anti-aging adviser, Professor Vladimir Khvinson, aged 77.
Khavinson, who leads the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, claimed he was working on ways to extend human life to 110 or 120, and once described Putin as “perfect” compared to former leaders Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov and Boris Yeltsin.
Investigative journalist Ilya Davlyachin has cast doubt on more extreme claims, suggesting that Putin may be aiming for a more typical age of 97.
“It’s the year 2050,” he said. “It’s simple – then his eldest son Ivan will be 35 – the age when someone can be elected to the (Russian) presidency.”
Despite bold claims, there is currently no verified evidence that any country has developed a drug capable of delaying human aging.
