- By Vaidika Thapa
- Fri, 29 May 2026 10:45 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Russia’s USD 26 billion anti-ageing programme focuses on advanced longevity research.
- Project explores gene therapy, bioprinting, and xenotransplantation.
- It aims to extend human lifespan, address ageing population.
A major state-backed scientific initiative in Russia focused on extending human lifespan and slowing ageing has drawn global attention. This comes after a recent report suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin is closely linked to this project, which is called “New Health Preservation Technologies”.
Putin Funds Massive Anti-Ageing Drive
The programme, reportedly worth around USD 26 billion, is being described as one of Russia’s major scientific priorities. According to The Wall Street Journal report, the initiative includes experimental research in areas such as gene therapy, 3D bioprinting of human tissues, xenotransplantation (growing human organs in animals like pigs), and ultra-low temperature cryotherapy.
The report added that early progress includes bio printed cartilage tissue and animal organ experiments, with long-term goals of human organ replacement in the future. The programme is reportedly led by Putin’s daughter, endocrinologist Maria Vorontsova, along with physicist Mikhail Kovalchuk. Some Russian scientists involved have claimed that advances in biotechnology could eventually make it possible to repair or replace human organs.
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Project Raises Concerns
However, independent experts have questioned the lack of global research supporting these claims. The reports further suggest that Putin follows practices such as cryotherapy and has shown interest in longevity science. Putin was also reportedly heard during a military parade in Beijing telling Chinese President Xi Jinping that humans could potentially replace organs to extend lifespan and even achieve immortality.
What's Behind The Move?
Despite early progress, critics argue that many of the programme’s claims remain unverified and may reflect ambitious scientific goals rather than proven results. According to some analysts, Russia is pursuing this initiative due to broader concerns about its ageing population and lower life expectancy compared to many Western countries. As these factors can directly impact its workforce, Moscow seems to be undertaking this initiative.
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