The inaugural Klotho Conference & Scientific Seminar, held September 15–16 at the UCI Beall Applied Innovation Center in Irvine, California, convened leading researchers, clinicians, and innovators to translate decades of Klotho research into therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. The event marked a pivotal milestone in understanding how Klotho, a protein linked to longevity, can be harnessed to extend healthspan.
The conference opened with a “State of the Industry” address by Menachem Abraham and a keynote from Dr. Makoto Kuroo, discoverer of the Klotho gene. Their talks framed the current landscape, from molecular pathways to clinical translation. Key highlights included presentations on new therapeutic modalities, such as Carmela Abraham’s Klotho-mRNA-LNP approach, and human case studies by Petr Sramek that explored Klotho-based therapies in patients. A dedicated panel on brain health, led by Dr. Dena Dubal and Dr. Miguel Chillon, examined Klotho’s neuroprotective role in neurodegenerative diseases and gene therapy applications.
Cancer research was a focus, with Dr. Ido Wolf and Dr. Tamar Rubinek summarizing Klotho’s potential in suppressing malignant tumors. Dr. Assumpció Bosch presented on Klotho gene therapy for ALS, outlining preclinical progress and future clinical trials. Inflammation-focused research by Dr. Iliya Lefterov and Dr. Radosveta Koldamova showed how Klotho signaling intersects with inflammatory pathways, impacting chronic disease and aging. A panel on muscle regeneration included Dr. Mona EzzatVilinov and celebrity fitness expert Ramona Braganza, exploring Klotho’s role in functional mobility. Dr. Gail Humble discussed Klotho’s use in medical aesthetics for skin, hair, and tissue regeneration, while Dr. Doris Taylor presented on Klotho’s regenerative applications for organs and cardiovascular tissue.
The translational path was outlined by Dr. Ian White, who discussed moving naturally derived human Klotho sources into clinical trials. Dr. Joseph Cleaver gave a luncheon keynote on lifestyle, aging, and Klotho. A summary of Klotho research highlighted that over 4,390 papers have been published since 1997, with low Klotho levels linked to accelerated aging, increased cancer risk, cognitive decline, heart and kidney failure, inflammation, muscle atrophy, and other age-related conditions. Studies are now underway to determine whether raising Klotho levels can reverse these effects.
The conference catalyzed new partnerships among academic institutions, biotech companies, and longevity-focused investor networks, with several research groups planning to accelerate clinical development of Klotho-based gene therapies. Organizers announced that future conferences will expand to include translational clinical trials, diagnostics development, and policy frameworks. A highlight reel and full presentations are available at this link, and the complete playlist of all presentations is accessible here.
The Klotho Conference is hosted by Lionheart Health, Inc., and organized by the Klotho Conference Organizing Team. More information is available at www.klothoconference.com.
