Klotho Neurosciences is exploring new technologies to support brain function, muscle strength, bone health and other key indicators of ageing.
The NASDAQ-listed biogenetics company said it plans to move beyond its core focus on brain ageing and neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
It is now evaluating technologies that complement its anti-ageing Klotho platform, with the goal of slowing biological ageing and reducing the impact of age-related disease.
Klotho’s approach centres on the human Klotho gene, which produces proteins that decline with age.
This reduction is linked to disorders such as cardiometabolic disease, neurodegeneration, cancer, sarcopenia (muscle wasting), osteoporosis and general fatigue.
Research suggests silencing of the gene can accelerate deterioration across multiple organs.
Klotho chief executive officer Dr Joseph Sinkule said: “As announced previously, we’ve begun manufacturing and development of KLTO-101 and KLTO-202.
“We’re also exploring other treatments that could support healthy ageing and extend human longevity.”
The company is assembling a team to identify biological markers of ageing and assess genes and proteins such as alpha-Klotho, beta-Klotho, FOXO3 and anti-myostatin.
These molecules are involved in cellular regulation processes linked to ageing.
Shalom Hirschman, senior consultant to the company, said: “The Klotho gene is what we call a master gene.
“The Klotho gene has pleotropic actions modulating many critical cellular pathways including insulin resistance, insulin-like growth factor-1, FOXO3 transcription factors, and Wnt signalling pathways leading to the reduction of inflammatory and mitochondrial oxidative stresses and other cell-damaging mechanisms that can be prevented by two alpha-Klotho protein isoforms – soluble Klotho and secreted-Klotho.”
Dr Sinkule added: “If people don’t die of cancer or trauma, they often succumb to age-related diseases of the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, bone, or muscle.
“Our mission is to identify and develop complementary assets to delay these outcomes through targeted research and intervention.”
