A Putin associate is developing a "longevity elixir" using elderly monkeys, Russian media reports.
The Kurchatov Institute, headed by Mikhail Kovalchuk, a long-time associate of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, has collected a unique collection of elderly monkeys. Scientists hope to use the animals to identify ways to extend human life. Kovalchuk discussed the research at the Kurchatov Genomic Forum in Moscow, according to Russian media.
The breeding facilities of the institutes house more than 7,000 primates representing 22 species.
"We screen elderly monkeys to track each stage of the aging process. We appreciate people from 18 to over 30. We conduct comprehensive tests, including biochemical and structural analyses, blood vessels, brain and everything else. Primates are the closest model we have. This serves as the basis for creating a regulatory system for extending life expectancy," Kovalchuk said.
In cooperation with the Russian Scientific Center for Surgery, the Kurchatov Institute has already established a biobank containing blood samples from long-tailed monkeys. According to the director of the center, Konstantin Kutenko, the samples will be used to study the aging process.
Mikhail Kovalchuk is considered an old friend of the 74-year-old Putin and serves as his unofficial scientific adviser. His brother, billionaire Yuriy Kovalchuk, is a member of Putin's inner circle.
Putin has also shown great interest in longevity research. In September 2025, during his visit to China, it was revealed that he discussed extending the human lifespan to 150 years with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Genetic research was conducted not only at the Kurchatov Institute but also by Putin's eldest daughter, the endocrinologist Maria Vorontsova.
In October, she spoke at the Skolkovo School of Management in Moscow, where a longevity laboratory was established.