Long life: Russia creates the first drug for age-related muscle loss
At the II forum "Russia and the World: Trends in Healthy Longevity," scientists presented developments that could change the way we think about aging. In particular, it was about a drug that can slow down age-related loss of muscle mass, as well as a means to restore nervous tissue, including after severe spinal cord injuries. In addition, the researchers presented evidence that regular visits to theaters, museums, and concerts can help reduce biological age, since such activity, according to them, has a positive effect on the processes associated with aging at the genetic level. What else was discussed at the forum — in the Izvestia article.
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Russia is developing a drug to prevent muscle loss with age, which is one of the main causes of disability in the elderly. The new tool will help them stay physically active. This was announced by Konstantin Kotenko, Director of the Russian Scientific Surgery Center named after Academician B.V. Petrovsky of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, at the II forum "Russia and the World: Trends in Healthy Longevity", which opened on July 9 in Moscow. The main theme of the event is a systematic increase in the life expectancy of citizens.
— We have obtained preliminary results that show that exosomes (microscopic extracellular vesicles that cells secrete to exchange signals with each other. — Ed.) are able to influence both the acceleration of aging of young cells and the rejuvenation of aging cells. Based on this effect, scientists are developing a drug," Konstantin Kotenko said.
According to him, in parallel, researchers are developing the world's first gene therapy drug that blocks the work of the RAGE gene responsible for cell aging. The Center has also created an open database on the "genetic clock". It allows any scientist to choose the appropriate algorithm for estimating biological age in their research.
— Aging is a complex multifactorial process that begins at the cellular level, affects the genome and manifests itself in tissues and organs. To combat it, an integrated approach is needed that combines genetics, medicine, biotechnology and other disciplines," Yulia Dyakova, Director of the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center, emphasized in her speech.
She recalled that the country currently has a federal scientific and technical program for the development of genetic technologies, in which healthy longevity occupies an important place.
Spinal Cord Treatment
As the experts explained, the forum's agenda is based on an updated Strategy for the development of healthcare in Russia until 2030. It focuses on maintaining the physical and mental activity of the population through the introduction of modern health-saving technologies.
— We have started serious work and launched the reboot of health centers into healthy longevity centers starting in 2026. These are, in fact, medical structures that will deal with the identification of predispositions. That is, when a person is still healthy, identify them and stop possible causes of diseases," said Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova at the opening of the forum.
In total, the business program of the forum includes more than 20 expert discussions. One of the most significant topics is the development of regenerative biotechnologies and tissue engineering.
— Experts face a lot of questions in this area. First of all, it is the complexity of reproducing the harmonious structure of each tissue and organ, ensuring an appropriate cell environment, creating a neural network and proper architectonics, which is especially important for such complex organs as the brain," said Veronika Skvortsova, head of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency.
Among the developments that can be introduced into clinical practice in the near future, Vladimir Chekhonin, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, noted drugs made using cells from the mucous membrane of the upper part of the nasal cavity. There are olfactory neurons, on the basis of which cells specialists create means for the restoration of nerve tissues, including in the spinal cord after severe spinal injuries.
Scientists have already received permission for limited clinical use of the drug and are currently preparing a registration dossier necessary for industrial production and widespread use in medical practice.
Veronika Skvortsova, Head of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, during the plenary session "Biotechnologies of regenerative Biomedicine: from personalization to scaling"
Also, one of the central topics of the forum was the role of art and culture in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for citizens. As Olga Tkacheva, director of the Russian Gerontological Research and Clinical Center, noted, the concept of "successful aging" is increasingly becoming part of modern life. It includes extensive social connections, spiritual values, creative activity and a positive attitude towards life.
— Attending cultural events at least once a month reduces the biological age by 0.8 years, and once a week by a whole year. In people who regularly visit museums, theaters, and concerts, the rate of aging slows down by 5-7%. In addition, involvement in creative hobbies, including drawing, singing, and performing arts, correlates with a 30 percent reduction in mortality from any cause.
Thus, investments in art and culture can pay off by reducing the burden on the healthcare system, as people are less likely to get sick, Olga Tkacheva emphasized. As an example, she cited the Moscow Longevity program, which, according to her, has no analogues in the world.
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