Kathrine Frich
Most political leaders accept the limits of age, stepping back as time catches up with them.
But Vladimir Putin has signaled a very different ambition.
After a reported exchange with China’s Xi Jinping about humans living to 150, it has become clear that ageing quietly is not part of the Kremlin leader’s plan.
Gene breakthrough
According to the Daily Express, Russian officials say scientists are working on a potential anti-ageing treatment based on gene therapy.
Denis Sekirinsky said: “[A promising area] is gene therapy of ageing.”
He added: “The RAGE gene is a receptor whose activation triggers cellular ageing, whereas blocking this gene, on the contrary, 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. The field relies on advanced genetic technologies and represents one of the most promising avenues in the fight against ageing.”
Kremlin pressure
Reports suggest the initiative is part of a broader Kremlin-backed effort, with scientists asked to submit their latest findings.
One source said: “The biggest boss [Putin] set a task, and officials rushed to implement it in every possible way.”
Another added: “We were asked to urgently send all our developments, and the letter came, let’s say, today, and everything had to be sent yesterday.”
Living longer
Putin has previously spoken about extending human lifespan.
“It is probably possible to reach 150, adding: “It will always be too little, just like with money. Always.”
In a separate reported moment, he said: “Human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become.”
Skepticism remains
Despite the bold claims, there is no confirmed evidence such a drug exists.
Investigative journalist Ilya Davlyatchin offered a more grounded interpretation.
“This is the year 2050,” he said. “It’s simple – then his eldest son Ivan will turn 35 – the age when one can be elected to the [Russian] presidential post.”
For now, the idea of dramatically extending human life remains largely theoretical.
Sources: Daily Express
