Advantage Therapeutics has launched a new subsidiary, Klothea Bio, to advance research and development of the Klotho protein for age-related therapeutics.
Klothea Bio will focus on developing Klotho-based therapies to prevent and treat several age-related diseases.
The subsidiary is supported by an undisclosed amount of seed funding from Longevitytech.fund (LTF), a venture capital firm investing in biotechnology startups focused on extending healthy lifespans globally.
Klothea Bio is working on a novel approach using mRNA technology to boost the body’s Klotho production. This could enable sustained therapeutic expression, potentially transforming anti-aging therapies, said Advantage Therapeutics.
Klothea Bio chairman Jeffrey Madden said: “As we embark on this exciting journey, we expect to demonstrate that our mRNA therapy will increase significantly the levels of Klotho to those found in young and healthy individuals and will offer the potential for longer-lasting therapeutic effects which may delay or prevent certain age-related diseases.
“We are thrilled to partner with Longevitytech.fund as our lead investor, advancing our mission to realise the transformative potential of Klotho protein therapies for aging-related diseases.
“This collaboration strengthens Klothea Bio’s laser focus on developing safe and effective treatments as we prepare for our upcoming clinical trial, bringing us closer to a future where significantly extending healthy human lifespan is achievable.”
Klothea Bio will leverage Advantage Therapeutics’ proprietary Klotho-based intellectual property (IP) portfolio.
Klotho, a protein known for its anti-ageing properties, offers neuroprotection, antioxidative effects, and tumour suppression.
As Klotho levels decline with age, Klothea Bio’s initial studies will focus on metabolic disease syndrome. Future research is expected to explore treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s, obesity, and other age-related conditions.
Advantage Therapeutics chief science officer Carmela Abraham said: “Klotho is a protein possessing multiple beneficial and unique pleotropic functions by protecting organs against inflammation, oxidative stress, tumour growth, while its absence leads to age-related diseases and early death.”
Advantage Therapeutics is engaged in the development of next-generation therapies targeting Alzheimer’s and age-related conditions.
Its lead compound, AD04, is a subcutaneous injectable therapy. Planned Phase 2b clinical trials in Europe and the UK will assess its safety and efficacy in early Alzheimer’s patients.
