Klotho: The Anti-Aging Protein's Rise in Longevity Treatments
The longevity industry has a new obsession: Klotho, a protein that naturally declines with age and is linked to various health benefits. Discovered accidentally in the late 1990s by Japanese scientist Makoto Kuro-o, Klotho is now the focus of several startups and clinics offering experimental treatments. Joe Sinkule's Klotho Neurosciences is preparing to treat ALS patients with Klotho-based therapy, while Carmela Abraham's Advantage Therapeutics and Klothea Bio are advancing Alzheimer's and mRNA-based trials. Minicircle, founded by Mac Davis, offers Klotho gene therapy in Honduras and other jurisdictions, with infusions costing $35,000. Neorgana in Mexico provides intranasal and IV Klotho treatments for $65,000 and $240,000, respectively. However, skeptics like Dr. Michael Zemel of Kinexum and Lynne Chang of Elysium Health caution against the lack of clinical data and potential unintended consequences. The article also highlights the KL-VS genetic variant, which boosts Klotho levels and is associated with longevity and cognitive benefits. Author Mark Ellwood, who carries one copy of KL-VS, shares his personal experience with testing and lifestyle changes to raise his Klotho levels.
Key facts
- Klotho was discovered in the late 1990s by Japanese scientist Makoto Kuro-o.
- KL-VS genetic variant is estimated to occur in 1-2 out of 20 people and boosts Klotho levels.
- Klotho levels naturally decline with age and are almost unmeasurable by age 80-90.
- Joe Sinkule's Klotho Neurosciences is targeting ALS with Klotho therapy, with first recipients expected before end of year.
- Carmela Abraham is preparing Phase 2 trial for Alzheimer's drug and Phase 1 mRNA-based trial for Klotho elevation.
- Minicircle offers Klotho gene therapy in Próspera, Honduras, at $35,000 per infusion.
- Neorgana in Mexico offers intranasal Klotho for $65,000 and IV for $240,000.
- Dr. Michael Zemel cites a 4,000-person study showing no correlation between high Klotho and longer lifespan.
- Lynne Chang recommends raising Klotho naturally through exercise and Mediterranean diet.
- Author Mark Ellwood tested his Klotho levels and found them in the lower end of optimal after exercising.
Entities
Artists
- Mark Ellwood
- Makoto Kuro-o
- Joe Sinkule
- Carmela Abraham
- Agustin Fernandez Santana
- Mac Davis
- Omar Novelo
- Michael Zemel
- Lynne Chang
Institutions
- Klotho Neurosciences
- Advantage Therapeutics
- Klothea Bio
- Minicircle
- Neorgana
- Kinexum
- Elysium Health
- Robb Report
- FDA
Locations
- Florida
- Boston
- Próspera
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Bahamas
- Panama
- Harpers Ferry
- West Virginia
- NYC