Russia Develops Gene Therapy for Ageing

Russia is developing what scientists describe as the world’s first gene therapy treatment aimed at slowing or potentially counteracting biological ageing, in a breakthrough that could reshape global research into longevity and age-related disease.

The announcement was made by Denis Sekirinskiy, Russia’s Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, during a conference in Saransk focused on “healthy geriatric medicine” initiatives.

According to Sekirinskiy, researchers are working on a gene therapy approach designed to block a key gene linked to cellular ageing processes. The objective is to reduce or delay the activation of mechanisms that drive age-related cellular decline.

“Gene therapy for ageing is a highly promising field,” Sekirinskiy said. “Blocking the gene responsible for activating ageing is an important step towards extending the period of youth. This approach is based on advanced genetic technologies and represents one of the most promising directions in anti-ageing science.”

He added that the development is being led by the Institute of Biology of Ageing and Medicine and is being carried out under Russia’s national project titled New Technologies for Health Preservation.

The research forms part of a broader Russian initiative exploring ageing prevention, regenerative medicine, and advanced biomedical technologies. The announcement was made during a travelling Russian conference on healthy ageing development, held on 23–24 April in Saransk.

The event brought together more than 300 doctors alongside policymakers, scientists, public figures, healthcare specialists, and representatives from nutrition, physical activity, and media sectors. Discussions also included anti-ageing nutrition, neuroscience technologies, and preventive healthcare systems.

The announcement reflects intensifying international competition in longevity science, where countries and biotech firms are investing heavily in gene editing, regenerative medicine, and cellular repair technologies aimed at extending healthy lifespan.

While the Russian project remains in the development stage, officials describe it as part of a long-term scientific strategy to transform healthcare through biotechnology and genetic innovation.

If successful, the research could position Russia as a major player in the emerging global anti-ageing and longevity medicine sector.