Putin Orders Russian Scientists to Expedite Development of ‘Anti-Ageing’ Treatment: Report
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly directed scientists to accelerate the creation of a groundbreaking anti-ageing therapy, aimed at addressing the country’s declining life expectancy. According to investigative reports from Meduza and Sistema, the Russian Health Ministry issued a directive in June, urging research institutes to urgently formulate and submit proposals focused on enhancing the health and longevity of Russian citizens. The initiative’s objective is to “save 175,000 lives” by 2030.
This directive, which surfaced recently, has reportedly taken many leading medical researchers by surprise. The reports indicate that the Russian Health Ministry’s letter called for swift action in developing proposals that target several key areas, including:
- Reducing the impact of cellular ageing
- Innovative methods to prevent cognitive decline and sensory impairment
- Modulation and correction of the immune system
- Advanced medical technologies utilizing bioprinting
At the ‘Rossiya’ exhibition in Moscow, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova announced the government’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies designed to promote longevity and healthy ageing. However, the sudden urgency of the request left some medical professionals astonished. One doctor, who received the directive in June, remarked on the unusual speed at which the proposals were demanded, noting that typically, such large-scale national projects are preceded by extensive discussions among specialists and public consultations.
Another researcher expressed bewilderment at the timing, given the ongoing conflict, saying, “The level of cynicism is astounding. We’re suddenly expected to focus on preserving the health of the elderly, as if there aren’t more pressing concerns.”
Experts have also voiced concerns over the high costs associated with the research. A source close to the Kremlin suggested that the financial burden of developing new drugs, which can run into billions of dollars, may be too great for a single national project to bear, especially under current circumstances.
Mikhail Kovalchuk, a close associate of President Putin and director of the Kurchatov Institute, Russia’s leading nuclear research center, has reportedly been a strong advocate for the initiative. According to a Kremlin insider, Kovalchuk has been fervently promoting the concept of “eternal life” and the “Russian genome.”
The urgency of this initiative comes in the wake of data released by the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia (Rosstat) in July, which showed a decline in the country’s average life expectancy, dropping to 73.24 years between July 2023 and June 2024.
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