Klothea Bio Inc., a biotechnology company specializing in mRNA-based therapies, announced on May 15, 2025, its ongoing collaboration with Healthy Longevity Clinic (HLC), which has been recognized as a Top 40 Milestone 1 Semifinalist in the global $101 million XPRIZE Healthspan competition.
The strategic partnership between Klothea Bio and HLC was instrumental in securing this prestigious recognition, with HLC being selected from more than 600 applicants worldwide. The collaboration focuses on advancing research and development of life-extending therapies using Klothea's proprietary mRNA platform designed to increase endogenous production of Klotho, a protein associated with improved cognition, reduced inflammation, and increased longevity.
"Our collaboration with Klothea Bio brings unmatched scientific innovation into our clinical vision," said Petr Šrámek, CEO of Healthy Longevity Clinic. "Klothea's unique supplementation approach for Klotho, the 'anti-aging protein', will accelerate HLC's efforts to deliver groundbreaking solutions that enhance health span and longevity for patients around the world."
The Science Behind Klotho and Aging
Klotho is a naturally occurring protein that has gained significant attention in longevity research. Declining levels of this protein are associated with the aging process and numerous age-related disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, kidney disease, and cancer.
Klothea Bio's mRNA technology specifically targets the restoration of Klotho levels in aging populations. This approach shows promise in combating age-related deterioration of cognitive, muscular, and immune function—key areas that align with the goals of the XPRIZE Healthspan competition.
Dr. Carmela Abraham, Chief Science Officer at Klothea and a world-renowned Klotho researcher, explained the company's technological approach: "The anti-aging potential of Klotho is extraordinary. After considering and testing other modalities, such as short-lived recombinant Klotho protein and uncontrollable DNA gene therapy, we are convinced that mRNA, which is potent, safe and tunable, is the best approach to restore Klotho levels and unlock new possibilities for treating age-related diseases."
XPRIZE Healthspan Competition
The XPRIZE Healthspan is a 7-year, $101 million global competition designed to revolutionize healthy aging. The initiative challenges teams to develop therapeutics that restore muscle, cognition, and immune function by at least 10 years, with an ambitious goal of achieving a 20-year reversal in biological aging.
Teams in the competition are evaluated based on the safety, feasibility, and scientific merit of their proposed therapies. A critical requirement is that these interventions must demonstrate measurable results within one year in adults aged 50–80 who are free of major diseases and disabilities.
As a Top 40 Milestone 1 team, HLC has been awarded $250,000 to continue progressing through the next phase of the competition, where they will further develop their Klotho-based therapeutic approach in partnership with Klothea Bio.
Technological Platform and Clinical Applications
Klothea Bio's proprietary platform enables sustained therapeutic Klotho expression through mRNA technology. Unlike other approaches such as recombinant protein therapy (which suffers from short half-life) or gene therapy (which lacks dosage control), mRNA therapy offers a more controlled and adaptable approach to increasing Klotho levels in the body.
The technology has potential applications across multiple age-related conditions. Higher Klotho levels have been associated with:
- Enhanced cognitive function and potential neuroprotection against Alzheimer's disease
- Reduced systemic inflammation, a key driver of aging
- Improved muscle function and potential protection against sarcopenia
- Enhanced immune system regulation and function
HLC operates two clinics—one in Prague, EU, and another in Florida, US—providing access to cutting-edge rejuvenation therapies. The Klotho solution developed with Klothea Bio forms a key component of HLC's comprehensive therapeutic program aimed at extending healthy lifespan.
Corporate Structure and Future Directions
Klothea Bio is a subsidiary of ADvantage Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company developing immunomodulatory treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other age-related conditions. ADvantage's lead candidate, AD04™, is currently progressing toward Phase 2b trials in Europe and the UK, aiming to restore immune balance and slow disease progression.
The collaboration between Klothea Bio and HLC represents a significant step forward in translating cutting-edge longevity research into clinical applications. As the XPRIZE Healthspan competition progresses, this partnership will continue to develop and refine mRNA-based Klotho therapies with the potential to fundamentally transform how we approach aging and age-related diseases.
The recognition from XPRIZE validates the scientific approach being pursued by both organizations and provides additional resources to accelerate their research and development efforts in the rapidly evolving field of longevity medicine.