Participants of the Moscow-Belgorod video conference «New Materials for Quality of Life: Scientists` Developments for Technological Leadership».
Humanity shouldn`t expect a single «magic pill» for health and longevity, but a comprehensive «magic toolkit» is projected to emerge within the next decade. This forecast was shared by Vladimir Mitkevich, Deputy Director for Scientific Work at the V.A. Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, during a Moscow-Belgorod video conference titled «New Materials for Quality of Life: Scientists` Developments for Technological Leadership» held at the «Russia Today» media group`s press center.
According to Mitkevich, this toolkit will comprise 10-20 innovative medical preparations and a comprehensive set of measures, integrating modern pharmacology with human psychology, all aimed at promoting healthy longevity.
The scientist emphasized that the goal isn`t merely to prolong life, but to ensure it remains full and vibrant. To achieve this, continuous brain activity stimulation is crucial, as a healthy brain promotes optimal bodily functions and prevents many diseases.
Vladimir Mitkevich, Deputy Director for Scientific Work at the V.A. Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Roman Soloviev, Development Director at «Biotechno,» referenced a recent discussion between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping concerning the prospects of biological immortality. He highlighted biotechnology as a future-defining science, a trend that will advance to extend life and enhance its quality.
Roman Soloviev, Development Director at Biotechno, speaking at the press center.
New Medications: A Presumption of Guilt
Participants of the video conference also discussed Russia`s pursuit of pharmaceutical independence. Alexander Obukhov, Medical Department Director at «Farmstandard» JSC, recalled instances where international companies ceased insulin supplies, noting that Russia now boasts a full production cycle for insulin within the country.
Obukhov acknowledged that the introduction of new medications often takes many years. He explained, «Every molecule discovered by scientists is initially presumed to be `guilty.` All our research is dedicated to proving that this compound is safe and effective.»
This stringent process also applies to developing treatments for orphan (rare) diseases. Obukhov reported that «Farmstandard,» in collaboration with Belgorod State University (BelSU), is conducting preclinical trials for a drug targeting Von Willebrand disease – a rare hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a genetic defect (pathological production of a specific protein).
He underscored the critical contribution of Belgorod`s vivarium. Specifically, pharmacological safety is tested on dogs, intravenous toxicity on rats, and pyrogenicity on rabbits.
Obukhov expressed confidence that scientists will soon achieve breakthroughs, enabling Russia to develop its own effective treatment for this rare condition.
Alzheimer`s Disease: A Focus of Research
The development of an Alzheimer`s disease treatment is another significant area of focus for various scientific teams in Russia. Vladimir Mitkevich elaborated: «We are working to establish the mechanisms of Alzheimer`s disease – the most prevalent age-related pathology. There has been a long-standing debate about the primary driving mechanism of Alzheimer`s, and a detailed mechanism remains unestablished. However, recent research points to beta-amyloid as a central pillar of this disease. We have been studying for quite some time why an initially normal physiological molecule, essential for any organism`s existence, suddenly transforms into aggregates that cause neurotoxicity and trigger the pathological cascade of Alzheimer`s disease.»
